BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has refuted widespread online speculation that proposed amendments to the Nationality Act would grant political rights to naturalized foreigners. The agency clarified that the draft is still in the early consultation phase and makes no mention of political rights for new citizens.
DOPA Shoots Down Rumors
Social media platforms were abuzz for days with users warning of a clandestine government reform that would open up political offices to newly naturalized individuals. The department, which operates under the Ministry of Interior, has now firmly applied the brakes, labeling the claims as inaccurate.
DOPA stated that neither the Prime Minister, the cabinet, nor the parliament has yet reviewed the proposal. What was presented in online forums as a finished plan is, in reality, no more than an academic idea undergoing its initial review.
Three Topics Instead of a Political Bomb
In fact, the draft amendment addresses entirely different issues. Firstly, it aims to clarify the entitlement to citizenship by birth for stateless persons and individuals without clear passport status, in accordance with Section 7 bis of the Nationality Act B.E. 2508. This could allow affected individuals to exercise their rights more equitably.
Secondly, the draft concerns terminology. Following the same-sex marriage law, terms such as “husband” and “wife” will be removed from legal texts, replaced by neutral phrases like “person” or “spouse.”
Thirdly, the amendment addresses residency rights for former Thai nationals who have lost their citizenship and wish to return to their families.
Consultation Ends Soon
The public hearing for the draft has been ongoing since May 22nd through the portal of the Office of the Council of State. Citizens have until June 21st to submit their opinions. Afterward, the process will truly begin.
Only after the consultation concludes will DOPA prepare a formal draft bill and submit it to the Minister of Interior. From there, the text must navigate ministries before reaching the House of Representatives, a path that has not yet been started.
Academic Support, Not Political Policy
The Faculty of Law at Thammasat University has provided academic support for the proposal regarding citizenship by birth. Their experts have discussed the rights of individuals who should already possess citizenship under Section 7 bis. However, DOPA emphasizes that academic support and public consultation do not make a proposal government policy.
Any proposed change will undergo the normal legislative process, including a first reading in parliament and a vote on the draft’s principles. None of these steps have occurred, and the draft is not a finalized legislative package.
Strict Controls Already in Place
DOPA points out that the current citizenship approval process is already filled with stringent regulations. Reviewers are instructed to scrutinize applications meticulously. Furthermore, the agency has established a special unit called DOPA N.I.C.E.
The “Anti-Registration Security Threat Working Group” is specifically tasked with identifying corruption cases in naturalization processes. Officials or individuals involved in such cases face criminal and disciplinary proceedings.
Thai Pakdee Warns, DOPA Remains Calm
Politically, the Thai Pakdee Party has been particularly vocal, raising the issue and warning of national security risks. They perceive potential dangers and political upheaval if the amendment were to pass, and the party firmly rejects the proposal.