Migrant Citizenship Plan Sparks Debate as Thai Govt Holds Firm

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File photo: Value

 

In a move that has sparked heated debate, the Thai government has stood by its controversial decision to grant citizenship to approximately 483,000 long-term migrants and ethnic minority residents.

 

This policy, endorsed by the cabinet in recent days, aims to resolve longstanding citizenship and residency issues whilst removing bureaucratic barriers that hindered their economic contribution.

 

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the policy, emphasising that it aligns with current laws and is intended to both streamline administrative processes and fuel economic growth. However, this decision has met with opposition, with critics arguing it serves political ends rather than national interests.

 

Direkrit Janekrongtham, a former senator, expressed concern on social media platforms, suggesting that citizenship could lead to extensive political and economic rights for the new citizens, potentially skewing political affiliations in favour of governing parties.

 

He questioned whether the government prioritises national welfare over political gains, noting that the policy could enable these new citizens to vote and engage fully in Thailand’s political landscape.

 

In response, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul clarified that the policy does not disregard existing rules but seeks to expedite the processing of citizenship applications in line with international human rights principles.

 

She reassured that those granted citizenship who subsequently pose a threat to national security could have their citizenship revoked.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai echoed this sentiment by defending the policy's intention to expedite the naturalisation process whilst adhering to the law.

 

Proposed by the National Security Council (NSC), this initiative affects more than 480,000 individuals who either entered Thailand before 1999 or were born there, with current regulations hampering their ability to lead productive lives.

 

With criticisms mounting, government spokesman Jirayu Huangsab highlighted the policy's efficiency improvements, stating it replaces a previous 2021 resolution, significantly reducing the protracted timeline for status confirmation.

 

This revised framework permits applicants to self-certify eligibility, eliminating cumbersome evaluations by various agencies. As the debate ensues, the policy remains a focal point of contention, balancing human rights and national interest, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-11-01

 

 

[Rooo]

Amazing the mentality. These people born lived worked in Thailand, followed the rules, applied for citizenship the correct way, at last they were granted the legal right  of Thai Citizenship.

Now some guy complains, wants to invoke the closed door policy that has been in place for so long. Most of these politicians themselves are of ethnic descent that have been granted that right in the 50's 60's. 

They are afraid that the minority will have power, they forget where they come from. 

Also veryy acceptable then for Thais to travel to foregn countries and be granted  full citizenship priviliges.

Talk about trying to keep the feudal control system alive.