Crime
Thailand to Strip 53 Year-Old Chinese Woman of Thai Citizenship
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has petitioned Thailand’s Interior Ministry to strip Thai citizenship of a Chinese woman accused of fraud, human trafficking, surrogacy, and document forgery.
Ms. Navaporn Phakiatsakul, 53, was detained on April 8 in a building on Silom Road in Bang Rak district during a crackdown on four locations in Bangkok, one of which was her house in Sathon Soi 10 in Yannawa district of Bangkok.
Ms. Navaporn would provide false information to authorities in order to assist her compatriots in obtaining non-citizen identification cards, or pink cards, by stating they were relatives who had moved to her house, said Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, deputy national police chief, on Saturday.
According to an investigation, Ms. Navaporn got Thai citizenship after marrying a Thai man between 1988 and 1989. She divorced her husband in 1991 and became a citizen in 1992.
“Afterwards, she became a surrogate mother for Chinese nationals, resulting in all of her children legitimately having Thai nationality, with the right to own assets and land worth billions of baht in the kingdom,” Pol Gen Surachate explained.
Ms Navaporn would also find additional women for surrogacy, who would subsequently give birth in a foreign country with the help of Thai doctors. According to the Bang Rak District Office, 26 ladies in the building claimed to be Ms Navaporn’s relatives.
However, Pol Gen Surachate told the Bangkok Post that police fear more surrogate moms are present while they investigate a seized thumb drive. “Ms Navaporn also forged visas for other surrogate mothers.” “Despite clear evidence against her, she continues to deny the charges,” he stated.
According to Pol Gen Surachate, police will work with the Public Health Ministry to review the list of clinicians linked with these instances.
Police also charged her with forging and using fake official documents, lying to authorities, and putting fraudulent visa stamps on international travel documents. “The woman will face punishment in Thailand first before she and all her children are deported,” said Pol Gen Surachate.
He has discussed with the permanent secretary of the interior withdrawing Ms Navaporn’s Thai citizenship, however she will find it impossible to carry out such commercial operations if she is deported.
Obtaining Citizenship in Thailand
Obtaining citizenship in Thailand can be a complex process that requires meeting certain eligibility criteria and fulfilling various requirements. The Thai nationality law is governed by the Nationality Act of Thailand, and the process of obtaining citizenship typically involves several stages and may take several years to complete. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:
- Eligibility: To be eligible for Thai citizenship, you must generally meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a lawful residency status in Thailand for a minimum of five years (three years for those married to Thai nationals).
- Have basic knowledge of the Thai language.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Demonstrate good behavior and have a good reputation.
- Residency requirements: As mentioned above, you generally need to have lawful residency in Thailand for at least five years (or three years if married to a Thai national) before you can apply for citizenship. This means having a valid visa and obtaining extensions of stay as required by Thai immigration laws. Additionally, you must not have any prolonged periods of leaving Thailand during the residency period.
- Thai language and cultural knowledge: You will generally be required to demonstrate basic proficiency in the Thai language, as well as knowledge of Thai culture, history, and traditions. This may involve taking language and cultural tests administered by Thai authorities.
- Background checks: You must have a clean criminal record and be able to provide documentation to prove this. Thai authorities will conduct background checks to ensure that you do not have any criminal history that would disqualify you from obtaining citizenship.
- Other requirements: You may be required to provide additional documentation, such as proof of employment or financial stability, health certificates, and other supporting documents as required by Thai authorities.
- Application process: Once you have met the eligibility criteria and gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your application for Thai citizenship to the Thai government. The application process may involve submitting your application to the Ministry of Interior, going through interviews and examinations, and undergoing a review by Thai authorities.
- Decision and oath of allegiance: If your application is approved, you will be required to take an oath of allegiance to the King and the nation of Thailand. After taking the oath, you will be granted Thai citizenship and will receive a Thai national ID card and other relevant documents.
It’s important to note that the process and requirements for obtaining Thai citizenship may vary and are subject to change, and it can be a lengthy and complex process. It’s advisable to seek professional legal assistance and guidance from qualified experts to ensure that you follow the correct procedures and meet all the necessary requirements.
