Thailand Eases Path to Citizenship for Long-Term Settlers

[snoop1130]

 

In a landmark decision by Thailand's cabinet, individuals from ethnic minority groups who have resided in the country for at least 15 years are now eligible to apply for Thai citizenship. This new resolution is a promising development for approximately 340,000 longtime settlers and an additional 140,000 of their Thai-born children, according to Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council.

 

While migrant workers from neighbouring countries who have similarly long tenures in Thailand remain excluded from this opportunity, the decision marks the continuation of a four-decade-long Thai government policy. This policy aims to integrate those unable to return to their home countries by granting them full citizenship rights, thus enabling them to fully partake in Thai society.

 

The application process requires eligible individuals to submit a petition at local district offices. While the screening might take up to a year, the final approval to gain citizenship has been expedited to just five days.

 

The Ministry of Interior has identified specific groups eligible for this new citizenship opportunity, including 120,000 settlers who arrived between 1984 and 1999, and another 215,000 who settled between 2005 and 2011, along with their Thai-born children.

 

Applicants must ensure their names are listed on household registration documents, possess a 13-digit ID card, pledge loyalty to Thailand, respect the nation’s democratic system, and be unable to return to their country of origin. This move reaffirms Thailand's commitment to embracing those who have long contributed to its diverse society.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-31

 

 

[CallumWK]

6 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

individuals from ethnic minority groups who have resided in the country for at least 15 years are now eligible to apply for Thai citizenship.

 

Are Europeans an ethnic minority group?

 

 

Edited 16 hours ago by CallumWK

[NativeBob]

4 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

Are Europeans an ethnic minority group?

 

Depends on nationality. Soon many old european countries will dissolve into some hopeless goo - thanks to new generation of dumbest politicians ever. Pity

[Tropicalevo]

44 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

individuals from ethnic minority groups who have resided in the country for at least 15 years are now eligible to apply for Thai citizenship

So some children, born in Thailand, have no medical or educational support available until they are 15.

Very sad.

[kickstart]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Applicants must ensure their names are listed on household registration documents, possess a 13-digit ID card, pledge loyalty to Thailand, respect the nation’s democratic system,

Pledging loyalty to Thailand, does that still mean you have to stand up and sing the Thai national athame and that other Thai song.

[Foxx]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

respect the nation’s democratic system

 

Why? Politicians don't.  For that matter, does the country even have a democratic system?

[ikke1959]

I would never want the Thai citizenship.. especially with the expectations you have to follow... I love my freedom  of speech, and my benefits from my country were I worked for.... Thailand is good to live in, but that's it

[lordgrinz]

1 hour ago, Foxx said:

 

Why? Politicians don't.  For that matter, does the country even have a democratic system?

 

More like a plutocracy. 

[connda]

3 hours ago, CallumWK said:

 

Are Europeans an ethnic minority group?

 

 

Westerner men residing with their Thai families are free to go to Hell. 

[JensenZ]

47 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

More like a plutocracy. 

Unless you're been sleeping for the last 100 years, it's obvious that the government serves at the pleasure of the military. If they don't like it, out it goes.

[JensenZ]

2 hours ago, kickstart said:

Pledging loyalty to Thailand, does that still mean you have to stand up and sing the Thai national athame and that other Thai song.

Of course, a stupid question.

 

You don't have to, but it is highly recommended unless you want to serve a lengthy prison sentence. It has absolutely nothing to do with whether you are a citizen or not.

[cowellandrew]

12 hours ago, CallumWK said:

 

Are Europeans an ethnic minority group?

 

 

It's currently like rorke's drift here in the uk!

[Presnock]

13 hours ago, NativeBob said:

Depends on nationality. Soon many old european countries will dissolve into some hopeless goo - thanks to new generation of dumbest politicians ever. Pity

happening more and more in too many countries - and with negative birth rates in many countries, yeah the immigrants will outnumber the native born citizens in the not too distant future IMHO.

[quake]

10 hours ago, connda said:

Westerner men residing with their Thai families are free to go to Hell. 

 

That would be situation normal then.

[AndreasHG]

13 hours ago, CallumWK said:

 

Are Europeans an ethnic minority group?

 

 

I heard they are classified as "threatened" on the endangered species list, dangerously veering towards extinction.

[Kerryd]

I do believe "straight white English speaking males" are an endangered species in most Western countries these days and do make up a small but significant visible minority in Thailand as well.

But - wrong skin colour to be given any consideration regardless of length of time in the country, family, business or amount contributed to the economy.

[lordgrinz]

2 minutes ago, Kerryd said:

I do believe "straight white English speaking males" are an endangered species in most Western countries these days and do make up a small but significant visible minority in Thailand as well.

But - wrong skin colour to be given any consideration regardless of length of time in the country, family, business or amount contributed to the economy.

 

Once you leave Rome, you have no choice but to live by the code of the Barbarian tribes.

[Sydebolle]

Being in the country for 40 years I looked up the procedure to change my permanent resident status into Thai nationality. I gave up as that uphill battle is by far too tedious and, in all fairness, except buying land or voting, there is no real advantage compared to a PR status. 
All those Europeans I know with Thai citizenship went down that alley for remaining legal in their business environment. Travel, transport and architecture are Thai-only professions as stipulated in the Alien Business Law. Other Thai-only professions like hair dressing, ice carving or massage seems to be less attractive to the alien crowd though 😉 

[black tabby12345]

Those migrant workers from the poorer adjoining countries.

They have been  making huge contribution to Thai economy for decades.

They often take up kind of jobs(e.g. farm hands, construction workers, fishing boat crew) modern Thais often hate to do.

Therefore they(and their children) certainly deserve better.

Fortunately, they are culturally and religiously(often Buddhists) close to Thais.

Thailand can make up for their gradually shrinking working population.

And the migrant workers'  children can grow up as the  new Thais.

Win-Win decision of the century.

Cheers.

 

 

Edited 29 minutes ago by black tabby12345