On October 29, the Thai government announced that it would grant citizenship to about 500,000 people living in Thailand, including Myanmar nationals and immigrants, including children born in Thailand. This news was reported by VOA reporter Ma Ayeema.
A Thai human rights lawyer who is also a Thai human rights lawyer said that about 500,000 people, including Myanmar nationals, who have been living as migrants for many years in Thailand, will be granted permanent residence and citizenship rights quickly. Mr Surapong Kongchantuk, who is also the chairman of the Subcommittee on Children, Women and Stateless Persons, told VOA.
“He said that there are 2 groups. It is given to those who have permanent residence in Thailand and those who claim to be Thai citizens. It is also a program to speed up the delay for those who have requested to become citizens. There have been cases where some processes have been going on for 30 years without any evidence.”
The Thai government, those who stay in Thailand for a long time, the stateless Mr. Surapong kongchantuk said that it is good news for those who were born in Thailand and those who immigrated to Thailand.
“This is good news. The Thai government provides proof of residency for those who apply for permanent residence in their country. It can be said that it is good news for the government to give citizenship to the children born to these people in Thailand. These opportunities will be available in a few days. Some people had to wait for days to get these documents. Now they can get it within 5 days after applying in a short period of time. In some cases, there have been cases that have lasted from 270 days to 30 years for Thai nationals.
People born in Thailand There have also been cases where immigrants in Thailand have been bribed to obtain permanent residency and citizenship, and have not been granted citizenship for many years. Mr. Surapong kongchantuk also said that those who will request as citizens and those who will carry out this process need to know that this law has been enacted to act quickly.
“What about those who will feel the opportunity of this matter?” We need to know the details of the staff who will do this process. Only then will you be able to do these processes correctly. They also said that there is no need to pay for these procedures.”
The Thai government will grant permanent residence rights to those who have settled in Thailand for many years. Citizenship rights were also given according to the year. In addition, they were not only given the right to live, but also free health care and education opportunities.
Source: VOA News Burmese
