BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is witnessing a surge in applications for Thai citizenship, with over 113,000 children born to migrant parents in the country seeking citizenship under Section 7 Bis of the Nationality Act. While the government has streamlined the citizenship process for this group and other ethnic populations under a 2016 Cabinet resolution, concerns are mounting over potential misuse of Thai citizenship and its implications for national security.
The simplified process, designed to benefit nearly 483,000 individuals, includes two main groups eligible for citizenship:
- Children of migrants who have been registered in Thailand for at least 15 years.
- Children of other migrants who have completed a bachelor’s degree from an institution recognized by the Thai Ministry of Education.
Criteria for Citizenship
To qualify for Thai citizenship, applicants must meet specific conditions, including proof of birth in Thailand, fluency in the Thai language, loyalty to Thailand’s constitutional monarchy, and a clean legal record. Migrants registered for over 15 years must additionally provide evidence of their parents’ long-term residence in Thailand.
Growing Concerns
The rise in citizenship applications has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that some recipients misuse their new status, leading to social and national security challenges. A prominent case involves a man named “Panjing Lungma,” who allegedly used his Thai citizenship to falsely register as the father of over 100 children of Myanmar women, allowing these children to gain Thai citizenship. Authorities suspect monetary motives behind such actions.
Another concern involves Thai-born children of ethnic Shan (Thai Yai) migrants who, despite obtaining Thai citizenship, maintain strong ties to Myanmar. Some have reportedly joined armed conflicts across the border, raising fears of diplomatic strain and security risks for Thailand.
Abuse of the System
Investigations have uncovered instances of forged documents and fraudulent applications. In Samut Sakhon province, a Myanmar applicant falsely claimed Thai birth records, prompting legal and administrative scrutiny. Instead of cooperating with investigations, some applicants have resorted to legal threats and NGO-backed campaigns to pressure authorities into granting citizenship.
Call for Stricter Measures
Lieutenant General Nantadej Bhuban, a security expert, has proposed tightening the criteria for granting citizenship, especially for children of undocumented migrants. He emphasized that children born to parents who entered Thailand illegally should not automatically qualify for Thai citizenship, urging a more cautious approach to prevent potential abuse and ensure national interests are safeguarded.
As Thailand continues to grapple with balancing humanitarian efforts and national security, the citizenship issue remains a contentious topic requiring careful deliberation and stricter oversight.
