Bangkok: The government is advancing its agenda on social restructuring by ordering a thorough review of the citizenship application system. This move includes conducting a one-year retrospective analysis of past applications to identify and close loopholes, strengthening measures to prevent foreign nominees from exploiting the system.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government is coordinating efforts across all ministries and relevant agencies to implement government policies effectively, as directed by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. The initiative focuses on social order and aims to revise the criteria and processes for obtaining Thai citizenship. This action follows the discovery of multiple instances where foreign nationals holding Thai citizenship were linked to criminal activities and nominee networks during a crackdown on social issues.
Ms. Ploytalay explained that the Ministry of Interior's Special Task Force for Social Order (STF-So) is leading the effort to review the citizenship application process. This includes evaluating the initial steps, criteria, and consideration process, along with a retrospective review of how citizenship has been granted. The findings will inform revisions to the Nationality Act of 1965, making it more stringent to prevent exploitation for personal gain and protect the rights of Thai citizens.
In conjunction, the Department of Provincial Administration, under the Ministry of Interior, is enhancing efforts to educate administrative officials on immigration laws. The objective is to bolster surveillance mechanisms at all levels, encouraging officials and citizens to report suspicious activities, especially those involving foreigners misusing Thai citizens' identification for fraudulent company formation. Previous cases have exposed such practices, potentially using Thai citizens as nominees to bypass legal restrictions.
Additionally, the Department of Provincial Administration is scrutinizing accommodations operating as hotels without proper licensing. A nationwide database of short-term accommodation options is being compiled, and provinces have been instructed to verify the legality of these establishments. If any are found lacking a license, provinces must investigate the licensing hurdles and update laws to address current challenges.
To prevent legal loophole abuses and safeguard Thai citizens' rights, the Department of Provincial Administration will conduct a one-year retrospective review to identify system irregularities. The review's outcomes will guide amendments to the Nationality Act of 1965, ensuring it addresses current realities, prevents legal exploitation, and stabilizes management of status and nationality.