Cabinet amends Thai nationality rules for minorities
THE CABINET yesterday adjusted a ministerial regulation on nationality, for granting Thai citizenship to minorities who have lived in the Kingdom for no less than 15 years.
The previous rule stated that only those who came to live in Thailand after January 18, 1995 will be eligible for citizenship.
However, under the new regulation, those seeking citizenship will need documents proving that they were born in Thailand and that their parents have the 13-digit identity card. They are also not supposed to have any other nationality and they should be able to speak Thai.
Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said that if these requirements are not met then the applicants will have to hold a university degree or its equivalent.
The review was proposed by the Interior Ministry.
The Cabinet also approved a draft ministerial regulation allowing aliens born in Thailand but not having Thai nationality to live here as long as their parents live in the Kingdom. However, they will have to leave the country when their parents do, unless they marry a Thai citizen or are in school.
The residential status of orphans will be considered on a case-by-case basis.