webfact Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 Karen spiritual leader Ko-ei, 107, gets Thai ID card – eventually By The Nation Photo : Khao San Nakhon Pathom AT THE AGE of 107, a Karen-ethnic man yesterday received his first national identity card from Thailand. Ko-ei Meemi presented himself on Tuesday to the Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Krachan district office to have his photo taken for an ID card that has been delayed for about 10 years. “He called on the National Human Rights Commission for help,” said rights commissioner Tuenjai Deetes. “So, we assigned the Human Rights Lawyers Association to submit Ko-ei’s request for Thai nationality.” In response to the request, the registrar at the Kaeng Krachan District Office examined the documents and witnesses before finally granting approval. Ko-ei is a prominent figure, particularly among Karen-ethnic people living in Phetchaburi, who regard him as a spiritual leader. One of his grandsons, Pholachi “Billy” Rakchongcharoen, was a respected activist. Pholachi, however, disappeared in 2014 after last being seen in the custody of forestry officials. His suspected enforced disappearance made international headlines. Read more : DSI to probe disappearance of Karen activist ‘Billy’ and encroachment in Trang national park Tuenjai said it was a good sign that Ko-I has finally received his national ID card. Without Thai citizenship, Ko-I had long been unable to access state-provided welfare, such as the state subsidy for the elderly. The government pays at least Bt600 a month to Thais aged over 60 years. The older a person, the higher the subsidy, with centenarians entitled to Bt1,000 a month. Thai citizenship also allows access to the country’s universal healthcare scheme, which offers almost all types of medical services for free. Tuenjai said many elderly people in Thailand had difficulty winning recognition of their right to Thai citizenship even though they had long lived in the country. “Without Thai citizenship, they have a difficult life. Apart from the lack of access to state welfare, their travels are also limited,” she said. “We hope Ko-ei’s case will mean many more seniors will get the same opportunity.” Dulyasit Sanitwong na Ayutthaya, a grandson of Prince Bhanubandhu Yugala, recalled Ko-ei’s friendship with his maternal grandfather. “He often brought meat and chillies to my grandpa,” Dulyasit said. “He also offered advice on how to take care of a white elephant.” Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30351153 -- © Copyright The Nation 2018-08-01 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chang_paarp Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 I wonder how he showed his birth certificate or that of his parents as is required by most authorities for the issuance of a Thai ID card? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAG Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 Who can now claim that the authorities are not flexible and caring of the people they serve. A generous and magnanimous gesture, a noble decision... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post greenchair Posted August 1, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted August 1, 2018 At a hundred and seven, the real icing on the cake would be for him to see the headperson behind his grandson billys death behind bars before his passing. Now that would be something to really celebrate. We all remember Billy. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vacuum Posted August 1, 2018 Share Posted August 1, 2018 Has he done 90 day reports during all these years? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon43 Posted August 1, 2018 Share Posted August 1, 2018 A generous and magnanimous gesture, a noble decision... ... and a very, very late gesture and decision, long overdue. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAG Posted August 1, 2018 Share Posted August 1, 2018 No wonder he had to wait, look at the colour shirt he is wearing... 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAG Posted August 1, 2018 Share Posted August 1, 2018 2 hours ago, simon43 said: ... and a very, very late gesture and decision, long overdue. Sorry "simon43", I was being sarcastic... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lamyai3 Posted August 1, 2018 Share Posted August 1, 2018 This magnanimous gesture is to be extended to all stateless centenarians who show up accompanied by their parents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRToMRT Posted August 1, 2018 Share Posted August 1, 2018 2 hours ago, greenchair said: At a hundred and seven, the real icing on the cake would be for him to see the headperson behind his grandson billys death behind bars before his passing. Now that would be something to really celebrate. We all remember Billy. How do you know he was murdered? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenchair Posted August 1, 2018 Share Posted August 1, 2018 3 hours ago, MRToMRT said: How do you know he was murdered? Have you followed the case from the beginning? If you have you would know he is dead, and we know who did it but can't name due to defecation laws. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRToMRT Posted August 2, 2018 Share Posted August 2, 2018 23 hours ago, greenchair said: Have you followed the case from the beginning? If you have you would know he is dead, and we know who did it but can't name due to defecation laws. Have you followed the case from the beginning? ...... yes very closely If you have you would know he is dead........... I don't, how do you? and we know who did it but can't name ....... if you can't prove he is dead or alive how can you know who did "it" whatever "it" is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenchair Posted August 2, 2018 Share Posted August 2, 2018 31 minutes ago, MRToMRT said: Have you followed the case from the beginning? ...... yes very closely If you have you would know he is dead........... I don't, how do you? and we know who did it but can't name ....... if you can't prove he is dead or alive how can you know who did "it" whatever "it" is Well that's the anomaly that every murderer loves to quote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now