Development of Concepts on Nationality and the Efforts to Reduce Statelessness in Thailand

The concept of “Thainess of people” (being a Thai person) originated in the Sukhothai Period, which is considered as the period when the Thai State was established. “Thainess of people” as understood by traditional Thai society was recognized as a social issue, rather than a political one.

Resource: Refugee Survey Quarterly, Vol. 25, Issue 3, UNHCR, 2006.

Link: http://gotoknow.org/file/bongkotka/AboutDevelopmentofNationalityinThailand.pdf

Written by: Phunthip Kanchanachittra Saisoonthorn, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Law, Thammasat University

Translated by: Bongkot Napaumporn, Center of Human Rights and Social Development, Mahidol University

Edited by: Veerawit Tianchainan, Country Director of Thailand, USCRI