How to obtain citizenship in Thailand?

If you would like to obtain Thai citizenship so that you no longer need a visa or can buy land, here is what you need to know. 

Acquiring Thai citizenship is the springboard to various benefits and rights, which is why many people apply for it.

With the help of Thai citizenship, any foreigner can buy and own property and gain the freedom to move around the country.

People can apply for Thai citizenship in different ways, namely by birth, descent, marriage and naturalization.

So let's look at the different ways to obtain Thai citizenship.

How to become a Thai citizen?

Thai citizenship can be obtained in a number of ways, some of which are outlined below:

• Birth and ancestry Citizenship: Under Thai law, a person can obtain citizenship if the child is born to one or both Thai parents, regardless of where they were born.
  The child's parent can apply for citizenship without any restrictions.
• Wedding In Thailand, a person can apply for citizenship without any restrictions if their spouse is a Thai citizen.
  However, a person must meet certain conditions to obtain citizenship:
  - A person must live in Thailand for 3 consecutive years and hold a permanent residence permit.
  - A person must have been married for three years and be living together when applying for citizenship.
  - In addition, a person must also have a minimum monthly income of 40,000 baht, pay taxes and hold a work permit for three years.
• Naturalization Thailand: Under Thai law, according to the Nationality Act of 1913, a foreigner has the right to obtain Thai citizenship by naturalisation if he or she has lived in Thailand for at least five years without interruption.
  A resident must hold a permanent residence permit after 5 years of living in Thailand to obtain citizenship.
  However, the following are the various requirements for becoming a Thai citizen.
  - A person must have lived in Thailand for approximately 5 years and hold a permanent residence permit.
  - People must be over 17 years old.
  - You must have demonstrated knowledge of the Thai language.
  - A person must not have created any offence and have no criminal record.
  - A person must have a work permit from Thailand.
  - You have to be able to sing the national anthem of Thailand.
  You have to qualify for the test and get 50 points.
  All official documents attached to the application form and the specific fees must be submitted.

Time limit and procedure

The total duration of the procedure to obtain Thai citizenship is between 6 and 12 months.

The application is approved only after a person has submitted all official documents and qualified for the scoring system.

The Ministry then issues a citizenship permit and a passport to the person.

Benefits of acquiring Thai citizenship

In addition to the fascinating natural beauty and the freedom to live, study and work in Thailand, a person can also enjoy various beneficial rights after obtaining Thai citizenship.

Here are some of the advantages of Thai citizenship.

• The Thai passport is the 116th strongest passport in the world, allowing visa-free travel to over 72 countries worldwide.
• You can own and buy any property in Thailand.
• One can own about 49 % of the shares of a Thai company.
• Thailand offers dual citizenship and full freedom of movement to people.
• No need to renew their visas.
• One does not need to obtain a work permit for one's work.

For more information, see the website: Thai Citizenship

Source: Ceoworld Magazine