How Can A Person Convert From Lao To Thai Citizent?

[larsnsj]

I have lived with my girlfriend from Laos for more than 16 months now. She is here on a tourist visa. Her mother is originally Thai, but moved to Laos where she got her children. She still lives in Laos.I really want to live in Thailand with this girl, but it makes our life quite complicated, so my question is:Is it possible for here to get a Thai ID-card or become a Thai citizens?

[lopburi3]

You need to know for sure if mother had Thai citizenship (full ID card and registered on home register here). Then people may be able to advise better. Just coming from Thailand may not indicate citizenship. Under current laws children of Thai should be able to claim Thai citizenship.

[jubby]

Interesting Post. Having a Thai mother must count for something. DNA proof etc.

Depends where you live. If out in the sticks I'd have a word with the Village Headman.

I

You never know, he may have a friend who has a friend who, for maybe a small or large fee, can start you down the route to Citizenship, Slowly, or quickly as the case may be. You may have to Ad Lib slightly.

If in the City, I don't know, do you have any Thai friends in the local Government offices or anything ?

Sorry I'm being a bit vague.

Anyway, good luck and hope an expert comes on shortly

Just had a thought, Does she have any Thai family, relatives, here already, If she can get on the House Book, Tabien Ban I think, it maybe a good start.

[Mario2008]

Under curent law a child is Thai if one of the parents has Thai nationality at the time of birth. So if the mother still had Thai nationality then, your GF should be Thai. In that case she needs to go to a Thai embassy in Laos with her birth certificate to apply for a Thai birth certificate. She will need the ID-cards from both her parent for that.

[larsnsj]

You need to know for sure if mother had Thai citizenship (full ID card and registered on home register here). Then people may be able to advise better. Just coming from Thailand may not indicate citizenship. Under current laws children of Thai should be able to claim Thai citizenship.

I think she have a very old ID card, and I think we can find her registered in some old books where she is born. I hope you are right that she schould be able to claim Thai citixenship.

Thank you for your answer.

[larsnsj]

Interesting Post. Having a Thai mother must count for something. DNA proof etc.

Depends where you live. If out in the sticks I'd have a word with the Village Headman.

I

You never know, he may have a friend who has a friend who, for maybe a small or large fee, can start you down the route to Citizenship, Slowly, or quickly as the case may be. You may have to Ad Lib slightly.

If in the City, I don't know, do you have any Thai friends in the local Government offices or anything ?

Sorry I'm being a bit vague.

Anyway, good luck and hope an expert comes on shortly

Just had a thought, Does she have any Thai family, relatives, here already, If she can get on the House Book, Tabien Ban I think, it maybe a good start.

Thank you for your good advices

[DTiger]

As long as her mother can prove today she was still Thai when she gave birth to your girl-friend, it should be no real (don't forget TIT) trouble

But, don't forget TIL (This is Laos) also. Figuring your girl-friend is over 18 yo, as soon as she will choose Thai nationality, she will loose her Lao one! And will then need a visa to visit her mother.

Neither Thailand, nor Laos allow double nationality for adults..... Even if we know it's not 100% true for Thailand.

[jubby]

As long as her mother can prove today she was still Thai when she gave birth to your girl-friend, it should be no real (don't forget TIT) trouble

But, don't forget TIL (This is Laos) also. Figuring your girl-friend is over 18 yo, as soon as she will choose Thai nationality, she will loose her Lao one! And will then need a visa to visit her mother.

Neither Thailand, nor Laos allow double nationality for adults..... Even if we know it's not 100% true for Thailand.

Does that choosing at 18 still apply. There must be a few leaving on Thai passport and entering on Laos & Vice-versa.

Without too much trouble. Who's to know.

[DTiger]

Does that choosing at 18 still apply. There must be a few leaving on Thai passport and entering on Laos & Vice-versa.

Without too much trouble. Who's to know.

As I said, TIT or TIL..... We are perfectly aware of the subtle distinction between laws and facts. But I cannot give advice to break the law, one I know at least.

[jubby]

Does that choosing at 18 still apply. There must be a few leaving on Thai passport and entering on Laos & Vice-versa.

Without too much trouble. Who's to know.

As I said, TIT or TIL..... We are perfectly aware of the subtle distinction between laws and facts. But I cannot give advice to break the law, one I know at least.

I wasn't suggesting breaking the Law. I do suspect hundreds of Thousands of Thai Ladies have two Passports. The problem really is probably TIL. They are not big on freedoms for the People IMNSHO.

[tartempion]

And will then need a visa to visit her mother.

Thai nationals don't need a visa to travel to Laos, a passport will do.

[Mario2008]

Thai nationals can have dual nationality.

(At least when they have Thai nationality by way of law, it is questionable if one can have dual nationality if one becomes a Thai citizen by applying for it. But in this case the GF seems to have Thai nationality by way of law).

[DTiger]

And will then need a visa to visit her mother.

Thai nationals don't need a visa to travel to Laos, a passport will do.

My bad!.... You are right! For 30 days at least!