BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Interior has issued a statement correcting misinformation circulating on Chinese social media about the country’s “White Card,” officially known as the Identification Card for Persons without Legal Status in the Civil Registration System. A post dated May 23 falsely claimed the card provides easy access to Thai citizenship, land ownership, and employment, prompting the Ministry to clarify its actual purpose and legal limitations.
The Ministry explained that the White Card is issued to individuals without legal status in Thailand, many of whom are members of minority or ethnic groups who migrated before 1999 and were not included in earlier population records. Based on a 2005 Cabinet resolution, these individuals are registered to access basic services but are not granted citizenship or property rights.
According to Interior Ministry Spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul, holders of the card have their personal information, including photographs and fingerprints, recorded in the national civil registration system to prevent identity fraud. The card functions solely as identification and does not carry legal authority for acquiring nationality or land ownership.
Thai citizenship is granted only under specific legal conditions. Eligibility requires either birth in Thailand with valid documentation or at least five years of residency with a Certificate of Residence. Naturalization applications must be formally submitted and reviewed in accordance with established legal procedures.
The Ministry warned that misleading information may cause confusion or exploitation, especially among vulnerable populations, and stressed that acquiring Thai nationality involves a thorough and legally defined process. (NNT)
