thailand
Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can a stateless person obtain Thai citizenship if they were born in Thailand but are now a US citizen?

Thai CitizenshipStateless PersonsVisa and ImmigrationDual CitizenshipThai AncestryEthnic Minorities in ThailandUS CitizenshipImmigration Law
Oct 16, 2025
2 days ago
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone obtained Thai citizenship as a stateless person? I understand one of the exceptions to obtaining citizenship accommodates stateless people.

Long story short, I am of ethnic minority group born in rural Thailand. My family fled to the US post-war. None of us have Thai citizenship nor Thai birth certificates as most stateless people. My US passport and citizenship certificate state Thailand as country of birth.

Would this be sufficient documenttion for me to apply for Thai citizenship when I relocate? Based on my limited research, the only other requirements are to declare a current Thai citizen relative living there and to be able to write my name in Thai.

Thai embassy in Los Angeles does not assist with obtaining citizenship except for those who are of actual Thai ancestry blood.
3,616
views
17
likes
99
all likes
32
replies
0
images
14
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual inquired about the possibility of obtaining Thai citizenship as a stateless person but is now a US citizen. Comments highlight that having a US passport means they are no longer considered stateless. Moreover, there are significant hurdles for stateless individuals applying for citizenship in Thailand, and obtaining citizenship may involve different pathways for someone with US citizenship. Recommendations include consulting with an immigration lawyer and seeking advice from groups or forums focused on Thai citizenship.
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...
recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Gregory *********
If you were stateless and had stayed in thailand you would possibly be eligible. But you are not stateless and as a US Citizen none of that will help you in legal pathways. Your only option is to look at how a US citizen can become a Thai citizen. Those pathways are limited.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Floyd ******
I'm at a gentleman older back in South Carolina who was born and raised in Thailand served in the Thai military migrated to the US became a US citizen legally and wants to retire to Thailand Thailand will not let him retire here as retired Thai citizen.

He was told by immigration that he spent too much time out of the country makes no sense to me
a day ago
Like
Reply
Kevin *********
@Floyd *****
 actually if you look from the other side it makes perfect sense. The Thai government most likely doesn't want to "maintain" an additional elderly person in their population who has not "contributed economically" to the country, so they're refusing him.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Floyd ******
@Kevin ********
 but he is not indigent he runs his own business he has money
a day ago
Like
Reply
Kevin *********
@Floyd *****
 you said he is a US citizen now and wants to apply for Thai citizenship so that means he gave up his Thai citizenship. Like most countries, it's almost impossible for old people to get pr, worse still citizenship.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin *********
Reply
Jamie ********
I would think dual citizenship would be the key play here. IMO
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Brook ********
@Jamie *******
 I agree.

Also, there are several negatives to renouncing US citizenship. The first being that it is difficult to go back to visit friends and family.
a day ago
Like
Reply
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jamie *******
 Thanks that would be the perfect scenario if I am able to. It's why I am asking if anyone has gone through my situation. I know others have gone through it before. I can't find any info online unfortunately. Some say no it's not possible. Some say it is. Nothing definitive
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ******
Reply
Bent *************
If you have a passport, no matter which country, you are not stateless!😂😂
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bent ************
 Yep I am understanding that now. But I can renounce it if I choose to. If given the choice and able to I'd take Thai citizen over US at this point in my life. Fact remains I was born in Thailand as stateless prior to fleeing war
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maria *********
@John *****
 can renounce unless you already have another citizenship
a day ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@John *****
 what war?
a day ago
Like
Reply
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
 Vietnam war
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ******
Reply
Hudgens *******
Interesting. Following to learn about the outcome. Good luck.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
Ask in Thai Citizenship group they havd links to website and people there who will tell you what to do
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 Thank you so much
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ******
Reply
Ning ******
Try posting in Thai citizenship group ?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ning *****
 Thank you. I will try that group. I was directed here from a Thailand expat group
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ******
Reply
Cole *********
You're not stateless anymore you are a citizen of America. I recommend contacting an immigrations lawyer here in thailand. They deal with cases in this field all the time and would be able to give you the best path if one is possible at all. I recommend integrity legal in bangkok. he has a YouTube channel you can search him there. He's an American lawyer that manages a team of thai lawyers that specifically deal with thai and U.S. immigrations.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cole ********
 Thank you. Sound advice. I'd be willing to renounce my US citizenship if I can obtain Thai citizenship. My scenario falls into the grey area which makes it all the more difficult to get any sort of answers. I am still stateside so I will contact a Thai immigration lawyer here first to see what my options are, if any.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@John *****
 I don't think the Thai government will be sympathetic to someone willingly becoming stateless in an attempt to obtain Thai citizenship. That process is a last resort for people who have no other option.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 I agree but if that's an option I'd be for it. No different than renouncing and deported back to country of origin
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John ******
Reply
Felipe **********
You are not stateless.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Felipe *********
 yup
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Brandon ************
I believe it's very far from that simple. Stateless people in Thailand have to go through huge hurdles to get citizenship, it's not as simple as just having a relative that already has it. Half of my spouse's family and many of their friends are still officially stateless without a Thai ID card because it's expensive and in some cases all but impossible to obtain it, despite their families living in Thailand for multiple generations.

And the fact that you already have a US passport means you're no longer stateless.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 You bring up a good point. Both US and Thailand allow for dual citizenships though. I have had Thai Americans obtain their Thai citizenship here at Thai embassy though. Of course them being Thai blood and have never set foot in Thailand. According to this recent article, it seems that the Thai gov is making it easier for stateless people to obtain it
****************************************************************************************
**********
*****
*****
2
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@John *****
 but you are not stateless
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 You're right. Although born stateless, I am no longer stateless. However, if I renounce my US citizenship I will become stateless again. I guess my question is if it would be any advantage to me being born in Thailand as a prior stateless person to obtain citizenship. I know it's not allowed for foreigners even if born there. My family had lived in Thailand for generations prior to the Vietnam war.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
De *****
@John *****
 Why renounce? Is it because of taxes? Look into the FEIE if you're worried about that.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@De ****
 To be honest I am tired of the high cost of living in the US. I still have family in Thailand and want to retire and go back to my home country. If I can avoid the visa nightmares and buy land, work in Thailand that is my preference. I have nothing keeping me here in the US. Single no kids.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
De *****
@John *****
 i just don’t think your plan of renouncing —> stateless —> apply to be Thai plan is safe or realistic. Any lawyer would agree. There are pathways to Thai citizenship now that are easier than before apparently (thaicitizenship.com), and this would allow you to retain your US citizenship, in case you ever needed to go back to visit or wanted to use your social security. Have you thought about starting with a DTV on your US passport and giving Thailand a try for few years before making any big decision?
a day ago
Like
Reply
Maged *********
@De ****
 good call
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Maged *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What steps should I take after obtaining Thai citizenship while holding a work permit under my U.S. passport?
20 comments
4 months ago
What steps can I take to help my girlfriend get a visa to the USA and resolve my Non-O visa issue in Thailand?
32 comments
4 months ago
How can my daughter obtain her Thai passport and what visa options are available for our family moving to Thailand?
27 comments
a year ago
What are the options for relocating to Thailand as a refugee and obtaining long-term residency or citizenship?
96 comments
a year ago
Can my Lao wife, a US citizen, work in Thailand with a work permit?
14 comments
a year ago
What is the best path for a US citizen married to a Thai national to obtain Thai permanent residency or citizenship?
15 comments
a year ago
How can I obtain a Thai ID, passport, and birth certificate as a child of a Thai citizen born abroad?
8 comments
a year ago
What are the options for an Italian citizen born in Thailand to stay and work legally while obtaining a national ID?
7 comments
a year ago
Can my Thai wife maintain her Thai citizenship and qualify for land ownership if she applies for US citizenship?
19 comments
2 years ago
What is the process and experience like for foreigners seeking Naturalized Thai Citizenship?
3 comments
2 years ago
What do Americans need to know about getting married to Thai citizens regarding embassy requirements and documents?
18 comments
3 years ago
How can I obtain a Thai citizenship or ID without my mother's assistance?
11 comments
3 years ago
How can I obtain a US passport for my Thai-American child and can they hold both Thai and US passports?
4 comments
3 years ago
What are the steps required for obtaining dual citizenship and a Thai birth certificate if I was born on a US Army base in Thailand?
23 comments
3 years ago
What is the process for obtaining a Non-Immigrant Visa in Thailand for a retired US citizen residing in Argentina?
13 comments
4 years ago
Can Thai citizens cross the border into Thailand using a foreign passport during Covid restrictions?
10 comments
4 years ago
What visa options are available for a US citizen with Thai children wishing to live in Thailand?
23 comments
4 years ago
What is the process for obtaining a Thai ID and passport as a descendant of a Thai parent?
15 comments
5 years ago
What are the recommendations for a lawyer or company to help with obtaining Thai citizenship for a foreign woman married to a Thai national?
14 comments
5 years ago
Can I apply for a one-year visa extension in Thailand based on being half Thai with a Thai birth certificate?
0 comments
6 years ago
Can a Thai birth certificate be used to qualify for certain visas in Thailand?
2 comments
6 years ago
What are the visa options for a US citizen born in Thailand who is currently on a tourist visa?
37 comments
6 years ago
Can I still be a Thai citizen if I was born in Thailand and have an expired Thai passport but hold a German passport?
0 comments
7 years ago
Can a foreigner obtain Thai citizenship without marrying a Thai citizen?
16 comments
7 years ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?
7 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?
9 comments
a month ago
What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?
21 comments
a month ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?
16 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?
8 comments
a month ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.