THE UNITY AND INTEGRITY IN THAI SOCIETY UNDER THAI NATIONALIZATION LAWS

Abstract

It is common throughout history for populations to migrate from one place to another, whether for economic trade, seeking new settlements, searching for natural resources, or fleeing from war, conflict, or political persecution. In the history of the Thai state, prior to entering the modern state era according to international principles, or during the period of reforming ancient Thai law to align with Western legal systems, such as during the reign of King Rama V (1871–1910), there was extensive engagement with foreign nations, many of which did not have Thai nationality. This included migration from both eastern and western countries, as well as the settlement of people from these countries in Thai society. The granting of Thai nationality under ancient legal traditions before the legal reforms followed natural law principles, specifically the principle of bloodline from either the father or mother being Thai. Only children born to Thai fathers or mothers could acquire Thai nationality. Since the country was still under an absolute monarchy, the granting of Thai nationality through naturalization could be ordered by the Thai king. Given the king’s foresight into the potential divisions among foreign groups within Thai society, the king issued a decree to create a law for the naturalization of foreign nationals into Thai citizenship. This law was the Nationality Act of 1911 (R.S. 130), which initially only provided for the naturalization of foreigners in Thailand. Later, additional laws were enacted concerning nationality based on bloodline and territorial principles, as well as laws regarding immigration that granted permanent residency (PR) or citizenship to foreign nationals residing in Thailand. These laws were a means of governance, granting citizenship to foreign nationals or residents of foreign states living in Thailand or entering the country during that period. This study will focus on examining Thai nationality laws concerning naturalization, granting of citizenship, and residency rights for foreigners from the past to the present. These laws are key mechanisms that contributed to national integration and the formation of the modern Thai state, reducing racial and national divisions among foreign nationals and Thai citizens, leading to prior unity and integrity in Thai society.