How to get Thailand Citizenship? What is the cost of Thai citizenship? Are you eligible for Thai citizenship? Read on to know more.
Thailand offers a lot more than just vast expanses of white sandy beaches. Citizens of the country are known to enjoy a high quality of life even with a modest income. Housing is affordable, the food is excellent, public services are easily available and the population is diverse and warm.
It is also one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. So much so that if you’re thinking of taking up Thai citizenship, you should know that you’re not alone.
To be eligible for Thai citizenship, you must meet a few basic criteria and then score well on the point system. It sounds a lot more difficult than it really is.
Read: How to Apply for Thailand Tourist Visa
When it comes to citizenship in Thailand, you will fall into one of two categories – people who are eligible for citizenship without requiring Permanent Residency and people eligible for Thai citizenship through naturalization.
In the first case, you can apply for Thai citizenship after living in Thailand for three years if you meet one of the below criteria:
Read: Thailand Smart Visa -The Visa You Need to Set Up a Business in Thailand
To be eligible for citizenship through naturalization, you must meet all the below criteria:
The system allocates a total of 100 points. This is broken down as follows:
| Field | Maximum Points |
| Age | 10 |
| Education | 15 |
| Security of profession | 25 |
| Duration of civil registration | 20 |
| Language capabilities | 15 |
| General knowledge about Thailand | 10 |
| Personality and appearance | 5 |
Age
| Age in years | Points |
| 20-30 | 2 |
| 30-40 | 5 |
| 40-50 | 10 |
| 50-60 | 8 |
| Over 60 | 5 |
Educational Qualification For Thailand Citizenship
| Level of Study | Points |
| Vocational training | 3 |
| Diploma | 5 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 8 |
| Master’s Degree | 10 |
| Doctorate | 15 |
This can be calculated by assessing the applicant’s monthly income in the year of applying or the verifiable tax payments for the immediately prior tax year.
Security of profession score by assessing monthly income
For general applicants with no other ties to Thailand
| Monthly Income (baht) | Points |
| 80,000-90,000 | 15 |
| 90,001-100,000 | 20 |
| 100,001 and above | 25 |
For applicants who are ethnic minorities
| Monthly Income (baht) | Points |
| 40,000-50,000 | 15 |
| 50,001-60,000 | 20 |
| 60,001 and above | 25 |
For applicants who are ethnic minorities with an Alien ID card for at least 10 years
| Monthly Income (baht) | Points |
| 20,000-30,000 | 15 |
| 30,001-40,000 | 20 |
| 40,001 and above | 25 |
For applicants married to Thai citizens/ having Thai children/ having graduated from a secondary educational establishment in Thailand
| Monthly Income (baht) | Points |
| 40,000-50,000 | 15 |
| 50,001-60,000 | 20 |
| 60,001 and above | 25 |
For ethnic minority applicants married to Thai citizens/ having Thai children/ having graduated from a secondary educational establishment in Thailand
| Monthly Income (baht) | Points |
| 20,000-30,000 | 15 |
| 20,001-40,000 | 20 |
| 40,001 and above | 25 |
Security of profession score by assessing verifiable tax payments for the immediately prior tax year
For general applicants with no other ties to Thailand
| Monthly Income (baht) | Points |
| 80,000-100,000 | 15 |
| 100,001-120,000 | 20 |
| 120,001 and above | 25 |
For applicants who are ethnic minorities
| Monthly Income (baht) | Points |
| 40,000-60,000 | 15 |
| 60,001-80,000 | 20 |
| 80,001 and above | 25 |
For applicants who are ethnic minorities with an Alien ID card for at least 10 years
| Monthly Income (baht) | Points |
| 20,000-40,000 | 15 |
| 40,001-60,000 | 20 |
| 60,001 and above | 25 |
For applicants married to Thai citizens/ having Thai children/ having graduated from a secondary educational establishment in Thailand
| Monthly Income (baht) | Points |
| 40,000-60,000 | 15 |
| 60,001-80,000 | 20 |
| 80,001 and above | 25 |
| Length and Type of Residence | Points |
| Proves domicile in Thailand for at least 5 years but does not have an Alien Registration certificate or a Certificate of Residence | 5 |
| Proves domicile in Thailand for at least 5 years and has an Alien Registration certificate or a Certificate of Residence for at least 5 years | 10 |
| Proves domicile in Thailand for at least 5 years and has an Alien Registration certificate or a Certificate of Residence for at least 7 years | 15 |
| Proves domicile in Thailand for at least 5 years and has an Alien Registration certificate or a Certificate of Residence for at least 10 years | 20 |
| Fluency Level | Points |
| Can speak and understand spoken Thai | 8 |
| Can speak and understand spoken Thai and sing the Royal and National Anthems | 10 |
| Can speak and understand spoken Thai, sing the Royal and National Anthems and read Thai | 13 |
| Can speak, understand, read and write Thai and sing the Royal and National Anthems | 15 |
This score is generated as the result of a multiple-choice test.
| Number of correct answers | Points |
| 1-5 | 5 |
| 6-8 | 8 |
| 9-10 | 10 |
This is a subjective score given by the special branch officers on the physical appearance, personality, manners, attitude towards Thailand’s culture and ceremonies, etc. The maximum score awarded is 5 points.
The documents required when applying for citizenship may change with time and hence it is always best to check with the Police Headquarters before submitting the application. The main documents needed are:
Bear in mind that the original may be asked for in some cases.
The citizenship application must be submitted in person at the Special Division of the Police Headquarters. Applicants will be given a document checklist. All documents in the list must be collected and translated if needed.
You will then need to schedule an official appointment. This will be in the form of an interview with a case officer followed by a senior officer. The multiple-choice test for general knowledge about Thailand will be conducted at this stage. You will also be asked questions about your background, family, etc. Documentation will be checked and non-discretionary points will be allotted. Finally, fingerprints will be taken and the application fee will need to be paid.
3-4 weeks after this meeting, another meeting will be scheduled with the National Intelligence Agency. The meeting will follow a similar format as the previous meetings.
You will also need to schedule a meeting with the local police station in your district for another interview.
Following this, your application will be forwarded to the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA). If a discrepancy is noted, the Special Branch or DOPA will ask for additional documentation.
A final interview for citizenship will be scheduled with the Bureau of Registration Administration (BORA). This can happen anywhere between 1 and 3 years after your application has been submitted. This meeting will take the form of a formal interview with 20-40 officials from various agencies.
Following the interview, the BORA committee will forward a formal submission of your application to the Minister of Interiors. It must then be countersigned by the King of Thailand after which it will be published in the Royal Gazette.
A formal citizenship swearing-in ceremony at the Special Branch Headquarters is the final step. You will then receive certified copies of the announcement made in the Royal Gazette and a naturalization certificate. This will be needed at the district office where you can change the yellow tabien baan registration to a blue tabien baan and get a new Thai ID.
Thailand recognizes dual citizenship and you do not have to give up your existing citizenship to apply for Thai citizenship unless the other country does not recognize dual citizenship. Thus, you may hold a Thai passport as well as the passport of any other country that permits dual citizenship.
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