Bangkok: “Anutin” explains that the establishment of the Department of Immigration is still just a study, indicating that it must be approved by the Cabinet, the process is still long, looking at it for convenience and flexibility in work. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said about the idea of establishing the Department of Immigration by bringing the Immigration Police to the Ministry of Interior that it is still under study and must wait for the results first. It will focus on the benefits, convenience, and efficiency in the work. As for whether a new department will actually be established, it depends on the Cabinet’s consideration. If there is a resolution to establish it, it must be issued as an Act. The time frame is still long.

According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Interior will collect information from the past, extract lessons on matters related to granting citizenship, immigration, what are the obstacles or problems and what should be the solutions? Anutin confirmed that at this time it is still just a study.

When asked about the necessity and appropriateness of establishing such a new department, Mr. Anutin said that it is a matter of flexibility. As for whether it is necessary or not, it depends on the Cabinet’s consideration. If it is deemed appropriate, it will be presented. At present, it is only an internal study within the Ministry of Interior. For example, the Department of Provincial Administration currently has to take care of 400,000-500,000 people who will be granted citizenship. The workload is heavy even though the Department of Provincial Administration has not yet been enacted under the Immigration Act.