DNA checks will help poor prove they're Thais
The government will conduct DNA tests for a few dozen people in Ranong on Saturday as part of a project launched to help the underprivileged prove their Thai nationality.
Ranong Governor Cherdsak Jampathes yesterday said some people had been stateless because they lacked knowledge of how to register themselves and claim their nationality. “We are trying to help them. They were born Thais but have no documents to prove it,” he said.
He said that without official papers, these people were in a very difficult situation. They had no access to services and welfare that the government provides for Thai citizens.
Cherdsak said the government recognised DNA test results as proof of one’s nationality. However, because DNA tests are usually carried out for a fee, the poor were unable to get this proof. “To help these people, authorities have now agreed to conduct free DNA tests,” he said, adding that 39 people in Ranong had already registered for the DNA tests.
