The Thai government has clarified that proposed amendments to the Nationality Act are intended to resolve long-standing legal status issues for people who have lived in Thailand for many years and are not designed to grant citizenship to migrant workers or illegal entrants.

Get today's headlines by email

On 14 June 2026, Ms Ploytalay Laksameesaengchan, Deputy Government Spokesperson at the Prime Minister’s Office, responded to a social media post by Phuket Times which claimed that the government planned to amend nationality laws to allow newly naturalised foreigners to participate in politics at all levels. The post suggested that areas such as Phuket, with large foreign populations, could eventually see foreign-born candidates standing for local political office.

Ms Ploytalay said the proposed legal changes focus on individuals who have long resided in Thailand, have a clearly established identity and have undergone legal verification procedures. She stressed that the objective is to address unresolved personal status cases that have remained outstanding for many years.

The government also emphasised that obtaining Thai nationality does not automatically grant access to political office or senior civil service positions. Individuals who acquire Thai citizenship must still meet all requirements set out in the constitution and other relevant laws before they can hold such positions.

The clarification follows growing discussion on social media regarding the draft amendments and their potential implications. Officials said concerns about foreigners immediately entering politics after receiving citizenship are unfounded because existing constitutional and legal restrictions would continue to apply.

The Ministry of Interior has opened a public consultation on the proposed amendments through the Department of Provincial Administration’s project on revising the Nationality Act B.E. 2508 (1965). Members of the public are invited to submit their views through the government’s consultation system before the draft legislation proceeds to the next stages of consideration.

Ms Ploytalay reiterated that the proposed amendments must still pass through several stages of public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny before any changes can become law. She also sought to reassure the public that political rights and eligibility to stand for election would remain subject to existing constitutional provisions and specific legal requirements.

ThaiRath reported that the government said the legislative process remains ongoing and that public feedback will form part of the review before lawmakers consider the proposed amendments further.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 15 June 2026

View full article

How about making citizenship a little easier for genuine applicants, the ones that have been here for years, married, raising a family and who have stayed out of trouble.

8 minutes ago, Artisi said:

How about making citizenship a little easier for genuine applicants, the ones that have been here for years, married, raising a family and who have stayed out of trouble.

Quite a few years ago the Thai government were considering offering citizenship solely on the basis of a foreign male married to a Thai for 20 years.

Then someone pointed out that married to a Thai for that length of time the foreigner would fail the insanity test. So the idea was shelved.

(Note.Thai wife and I have been married far longer than 20 years)

I am wondering why people want to have Thai citizenship, as many will loose their rights from their home country, such as a state pension. In Thailand you will always be a foreigner and be treated like that although you have the THai citizenship. They say it themselves:

obtaining Thai nationality does not automatically grant access to political office or senior civil service positions. Individuals who acquire Thai citizenship must still meet all requirements set out in the constitution and other relevant laws before they can hold such positions.

I know that a friend of mine had Thai citizenship, but in school he still was the foreigner, and could not become head of the EP, as it was only for Thais. When told he was a Thai citizen for years, the answer was clear... but you are a foreigner. \The only thing was convenient that he did not need a visa for Thailand anymore, but he needed a Schengenvisa to visit his family in Europe.

Thailand does not have a lot benefits for foreigners even living here for a long time

A couple of very wealthy Americans have Thai citizenship. One is a hotelier/restraunteur and the other is in crypto currency I think. There are probably others.

21 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The Thai government has clarified that proposed amendments to the Nationality Act are intended to resolve long-standing legal status issues for people who have lived in Thailand for many years and are not designed to grant citizenship to migrant workers or illegal entrants.

How about giving people who have stayed in Thailand for 25 years or so,

citizenship ?