Bangkok: ‘Anutin’ gives policy to unite forces in governance and security, moving forward to solve the problem of statelessness and nationality, aiming to reduce work procedures, granting status to individuals to reduce human trafficking problems and all forms of crime.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, chaired a crucial policy presentation and seminar under the project aimed at accelerating the resolution of personal status issues for long-term immigrants to the Kingdom. This initiative aligns with the Cabinet resolution from October 29, 2024, and took place at the Vayuphak 244 Meeting Room, located in the Vayuphak Convention Center at Centara Life Hotel, Bangkok. Attendees included Mr. Orsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Chaiwat Junthiraphong, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, and other relevant agencies.
Mr. Anutin emphasized that resolving personal status issues is a critical government and Ministry of Interior policy. The objective is to enhance life opportunities for target groups based on their rights under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Thailand supports through its participation in the United Nations General Assembly. The declaration underscores the right to nationality as a fundamental human right.
“The main point that we must not forget is that when a person lives in this world without a status, he is deprived of his rights to live as a human being equal to others in that society, whether it is the right to education, the right to medical treatment, the right to own property, the right to travel, to receive care and protection from the state, or even the right to work,” Mr. Anutin stated.
He further explained that lack of nationality and personal status leads to discrimination, social exclusion, and vulnerability to risks such as human trafficking and crime. Addressing these issues aligns with humanitarian principles, enhances security, and fulfills international obligations, reflecting Thailand’s commitment to resolving statelessness in collaboration with international partners like the UNHCR. This commitment is expected to enhance Thailand’s international reputation.
Mr. Anutin called on provincial governors, secretaries, and district chiefs to familiarize themselves with the new working processes mandated by the Cabinet resolution, which reduces the procedure time from 270 days to just 5 days. He emphasized that collaboration and dedication from all sectors are essential to successfully implementing these changes, enabling the target groups to access opportunities and live with their rightful human rights.
Mr. Chaiwat Junthiraphong, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, reported that over 400,000 people in Thailand remain affected by nationality and personal status issues, as identified in the October 29, 2024, Cabinet resolution. This population includes over 300,000 long-term immigrants and more than 100,000 children born in Thailand, residing across the country’s regions. He stressed the importance of regional personnel’s involvement in expediting the resolution of these issues.
The policy meeting and seminar saw participation from key figures including Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatchai Wongsuna, Deputy Commander of the Police Strategy Office, Ms. Tammi Lynn Sharpe, the UNHCR Representative in Thailand, senior executives from the Ministry of Interior, Department of Provincial Administration, and provincial leaders from all regions of Thailand.