Bangkok: The Ministry of Interior has announced the preparation of procedures to grant legal status to aliens in Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry has instructed all districts to prepare these procedures in line with a Cabinet resolution dated October 29, 2024. Applications for this status will be accepted starting June 30, 2025.
Ms. Traisuree Traisaranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior and Spokesperson of the Ministry, highlighted that the Cabinet resolution approved criteria for determining the status and rights of long-term immigrants. On May 29, 2025, the Royal Gazette published the Ministry's announcement regarding the status of aliens who have legally entered and resided in Thailand under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522. This announcement will become effective 30 days post-publication, allowing applications to commence from June 30, 2025.
The Ministry's announcement outlines the target groups and criteria for obtaining legal alien status. Aliens wishing to apply must certify they meet the criteria and submit an application to the registrar. Applicants domiciled in Bangkok must submit their application to the Director of the Internal Security Affairs Office, Department of Provincial Administration, while those in other districts must apply to their respective district officers.
Ms. Traisuree emphasized the need for smooth operations in line with government and Ministry policies. The Department of Provincial Administration has prepared officials to act correctly under legal procedures and provide efficient services.
The process includes the gathering of targeted individuals, where district offices will verify the accuracy of documents and qualifications before the law takes effect. Evidence screening will include identification cards, house registrations, and history registration forms.
If documents are correct, districts can record names and notify individuals of their eligibility to submit applications, reducing the steps and time for document checks. In cases where documents are incorrect or incomplete, districts will schedule appointments to correct these, requiring applicants to present relevant documents or witnesses. Adjustments to these preparation steps can be made to suit the area's context, aiming for efficient service delivery.