Thailand grants citizenship to 483,000 migrants

The Thai government’s recent decision to grant citizenship to a significant number of migrants and ethnic minorities has received a warm welcome from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The move, announced by the Cabinet yesterday, aims to provide Thai citizenship to over 483,000 individuals who have either been residing in Thailand for an extended period or were born within the country.

This policy, proposed by the National Security Council, seeks to streamline the process of granting legal status to ethnic minorities. The revised framework allows applicants to self-certify their qualifications and criminal history, removing the need for protracted investigations by various agencies.

Wasant Paileeklee, a commissioner with the NHRC, highlighted the significance of this government action as it reaffirms Thailand’s dedication to the pledges made during the High-Level Segment on Statelessness in 2019. This event, held in Geneva, saw Thailand endorse a campaign aiming to eradicate statelessness by the year 2024.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra mentioned that there are currently 825,635 individuals in Thailand awaiting confirmation of their status, with 483,626 of them lined up to benefit from this new policy. This development aligns with international human rights principles, the Thai constitution, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Thailand has ratified, said the Thai PM.

“The Cabinet resolution is in line with international human rights principles and the country’s commitment to human rights.”

While the NHRC applauds this step towards addressing statelessness, Wasant also emphasised the importance of safeguarding the process from abuse and corruption. He urged the government to ensure the policy achieves its goal of promoting equality.

“It’s crucial that this policy does not become a tool for corruption and that it serves its intended purpose.”

The NHRC has been actively involved in addressing the challenges of statelessness, collaborating with relevant agencies to offer solutions. Last year, the commission presented guidelines at a seminar to enhance access to basic rights and welfare for stateless individuals.

This initiative marks a significant stride in addressing the long-standing issue of statelessness in Thailand, reflecting a commitment to human rights and equality. The NHRC’s endorsement underscores the importance of integrity and transparency in implementing such policies, reported Bangkok Post.