Chiang rai: The Prime Minister presented citizenship cards to various ethnic groups in Chiang Rai to address the issue of individuals lacking access to government welfare. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that by June 30, these groups will attain Thai nationality, following a government initiative to expedite the process to just five days. This move ensures equal access to welfare for all, and the ethnic groups have committed to contributing positively in response.
According to Thai News Agency, during an afternoon visit to Chiang Rai Province, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, and her delegation visited Mae Chan Wittayakhom School in Pa Sang Subdistrict, Mae Chan District. The purpose was to meet with ethnic groups who were granted Thai citizenship and to distribute ID cards to 21 representatives of these groups. Despite continuous rainfall during the visit, the event proceeded as planned.
The Prime Minister awarded national identity cards to 21 ethnic group representatives, led by Ms. Fon Woijeo, an Akha from Mae Chan District. This initiative aligns with a Cabinet resolution to expedite the resolution of nationality and personal status issues for long-term immigrants and children born in Thailand. The aim was to streamline the process for obtaining Thai registration status and nationality for those who immigrated before 1999 and have already registered, totaling 340,101 individuals, and for their children, totaling 143,525.
Mr. Charin Thongsuk, Governor of Chiang Rai, reported that the province has the highest number of ethnic groups receiving citizenship, with 95,391 individuals set to receive citizenship starting June 30.
Ms. Fon Woijeo, representing the ethnic group, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the swift process enabled by the Cabinet's resolution, which reduced the time required to obtain Thai nationality and alien status to just five days. In gratitude, the ethnic groups pledged to contribute to national development.
The Prime Minister conveyed his honor and happiness in meeting the groups, affirming their right to Thai citizenship and the challenges they faced without ID cards, which hindered access to government welfare. He recalled a previous encounter three years ago when this issue was first brought to his attention and affirmed his commitment to resolving it.
He further acknowledged the efforts initiated during Mr. Settha Thavisin's tenure as Prime Minister, which facilitated the rights and procedures for ethnic groups, leading to broader access to state welfare. The Cabinet's approval has assured ethnic communities of safety and support from state welfare.
Ms. Paethongtarn reiterated the fulfillment of promises made since Mr. Settha's administration, noting that by June 30, all Thai citizens will enjoy equal rights and dignity. She reflected on past visits and the warm reception they received, expressing encouragement for those who have awaited this day.
The event concluded with the Prime Minister posing for photographs with ethnic representatives, receiving a tribal robe and hand-embroidered bag as gifts, and returning to Bangkok.