Expat aquiring Thai Passport

[Frank La Rue]

Is this a viable option for someone living in Thailand, to get arround the hazzle with visa. When I lived in the UK due to work I got contacted by our company's auditors who had helped me with the work permit and was adviced that I could aquire UK passport ater 4 years. So, why not in Thailand?

[Frank La Rue]

Is this a viable option for someone living in Thailand, to get arround the hazzle with visa. When I lived in the UK due to work I got contacted by our company's auditors who had helped me with the work permit and was adviced that I could aquire UK passport after 4 years. So, why not in Thailand?

My hunch is I wouldn't do it but none the less an interesting topic to get peoples views and experiences on.

[JamesWest]

because you are not Thai.

[HHTel]

The OP is talking about taking Thai citizenship after a period of living in Thailand similar to the UK rules. It has nothing to do with him being non-Thai.
There are ways to gain Thai citizenship. Since the rules for marriage to a Thai have been made equal for both men and women expats, men can become Thai citizens the same as foreign ladies by being married to a Thai. There are rules of course. You have to have been living and working in Thailand for 5 continuous years. You first have to apply for 'permanent residency' before applying for citizenship. Those are the basic rules. There are others such as knowing the national anthem etc.

[hhinner]

HHTel is right that the rules for acquiring citizenship changed a few years ago. However, they are not the same for men and women - for example, women don't need to be working and paying tax if married to a Thai. The biggest change was that foreign men married to Thai women can now apply for citizenship without first having PR. That other unmentionable forum has an extensive thread about acquiring Thai citizenship.

[HHTel]

Thanks for that. I was just going from memory and haven't looked at the latest amendments. I'm sure you're correct. I do remember that the rules for foreign men and women were made more equal.

[Frank La Rue]

Thanks for that. I was just going from memory and haven't looked at the latest amendments. I'm sure you're correct. I do remember that the rules for foreign men and women were made more equal.

But are there any pros and cons - for a start does this mean that you have to give up the citicenship of your origin?

[Pleng]

HHTel is right that the rules for acquiring citizenship changed a few years ago. However, they are not the same for men and women - for example, women don't need to be working and paying tax if married to a Thai.

So men need to be working here to be able to apply for citizenship?

[Bristolian]

But are there any pros and cons - for a start does this mean that you have to give up the citicenship of your origin?

Officialy the answer is yes, you must surrender your original passport. However I know quite a few who have never surrendered their British passport and continue to get them renewed as normal

There are also quite a few high profile Thai politicians who hold multiple passports. I believe that Abhisit Vejjajiva holds dual British/Thai nationality

[HHTel]

There are also quite a few high profile Thai politicians who hold multiple passports. I believe that Abhisit Vejjajiva holds dual British/Thai nationality

Absolutely correct and I believe someone much much higher up has American citizenship.

[europtimiste]

You are right HHTel, someone born in Boston has US citizenship.

[Big Boy]

But are there any pros and cons - for a start does this mean that you have to give up the citicenship of your origin?

Officialy the answer is yes, you must surrender your original passport. However I know quite a few who have never surrendered their British passport and continue to get them renewed as normal

There are also quite a few high profile Thai politicians who hold multiple passports. I believe that Abhisit Vejjajiva holds dual British/Thai nationality

I don't know why people keep bringing this up. It is written quite clearly on the official Thai website that dual nationality is permitted in Thailand. When my son applied for his Thai passport, one of the documents he had to produce was his UK passport.

From their Questions and Answers section:

Can I apply for a Thai e-Passport if I am already holding a foreign Passport?
-Yes, if you are a Thai national, you may apply for a Thai e-Passport. However, many countries will not recognize dual citizenship. Therefore, you may be required to give up other nationalities before you can apply for a Passport from that country.

No mention of Thailand making you give up the passport.

[JamesWest]

The OP is talking about taking Thai citizenship after a period of living in Thailand similar to the UK rules. It has nothing to do with him being non-Thai.
There are ways to gain Thai citizenship. Since the rules for marriage to a Thai have been made equal for both men and women expats, men can become Thai citizens the same as foreign ladies by being married to a Thai. There are rules of course. You have to have been living and working in Thailand for 5 continuous years. You first have to apply for 'permanent residency' before applying for citizenship. Those are the basic rules. There are others such as knowing the national anthem etc.

do you still need to read, write and speak fluent thai?

i also heard you need to sing the entire Thai national anthem cappella in front of a group of people. is that true?

[HHTel]

I have no idea, James. I'll check for you.

[StevePIraq]

Thailand gives less than 600 permanent residency per year spread across countries which have reciprocal agreement. The chances of getting permanent residence let alone Thai citizenship and are next to zero unless you invest US$ millions in Thailand. The only option is a one year retirement visa which can be revoked at any time.

Thailand does not want foreigners unless you are extremely wealthy.