Thailand resolves legal status of over 100,000 stateless people
Thailand resolves legal status of over 100,000 stateless people
UNHCR provides technical assistance and IT equipment to the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior with funding from the European Union, to support civil registration and nationality procedures.
Bangkok, 19 December 2025 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today commends the Royal Thai Government for the significant progress achieved since adopting its historic 29 October 2024 Cabinet Resolution to accelerate solutions for nearly half a million stateless people in Thailand.
Since implementation guidelines were issued in June 2025, authorities have resolved over 100,000 cases, with the vast majority receiving permanent residency and more than 12,000 people acquiring Thai nationality.
Thailand hosts one of the largest stateless populations globally, with almost 600,000 people registered as stateless prior to the implementation of the Cabinet Resolution. The Cabinet Resolution introduced expedited pathways to legal status for most of the registered stateless population, including long-stayers eligible for permanent residency and children born in Thailand who may qualify for nationality.
“Thailand’s decisive action to resolve statelessness is transforming lives and setting a powerful example for the region,” said Tammi L. Sharpe, UNHCR Representative in Thailand. “By granting legal status and nationality to thousands, the Royal Thai Government is not only upholding human rights but also fostering social cohesion and stability. UNHCR stands ready to continue supporting these efforts to ensure no one is left behind.”
UNHCR acknowledges the Government’s efforts to uphold fairness and integrity throughout the implementation process, including recent actions to address corruption risks and protect vulnerable communities from exploitation. Measures taken in northern Thailand, such as the “Cut the Mist – Wiang Haeng” operation, demonstrate a commitment to ensuring equal and transparent access to legal status procedures.
Thailand’s continued leadership has been further affirmed through its membership in the Global Alliance to End Statelessness, a global initiative aiming to resolve statelessness by 2030. UNHCR remains committed to supporting the Royal Thai Government in strengthening the protection and inclusion of stateless individuals across the country. A generous contribution from the European Union has enabled UNHCR to provide technical advice and equipment that stretches the reach of the Government’s efforts to some of the most vulnerable and remote stateless communities.