Bangkok: "Pheu Thai" has expressed its satisfaction with the Ministry of Interior's decision to grant citizenship to over 400,000 people, marking the largest citizenship grant to stateless individuals globally.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Danupon Punnakan, a member of parliament and spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, commented on the Ministry of Interior's recent announcement regarding the legal status of immigrants. This new law, in line with the Cabinet resolution from October 29, 2024, aims to expedite the resolution of nationality and personal status issues for long-term immigrants. The revised criteria significantly reduce the time required to process citizenship applications from 270 days to just 5 days, applicable only to individuals who immigrated before 2000 and have registered their personal histories. Approximately 340,000 legal immigrants who have resided in Thailand for over five years are eligible for naturalization.
Mr. Danupon further mentioned that this initiative extends to the children of eligible immigrants, encompassing about 400,000 individuals. Many of these individuals belong to hill tribes who have lived without citizenship, restricting their access to essential services like healthcare. This move has been ongoing since the tenure of former Prime Minister Mr. Settha Thavisin and continues under the leadership of current Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra. The United Nations has lauded Thailand for its approach to resolving the issue of statelessness, recognizing it as the most extensive citizenship grant ever. The Pheu Thai Party extends its congratulations on this significant achievement.