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Can my Thai wife maintain her Thai citizenship and qualify for land ownership if she applies for US citizenship?
Thai citizenshipUS citizenshipland ownership in Thailanddual nationalityexpat life in Thailandvisa and immigration advice
Mar 26, 2024
2 years ago
Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi folks, I hope this question hasn't been asked a million times but here it is. My Thai wife and I live in the USA. We hope to live in Thailand part time as my wife has a house and some land. We also plan to buy or build a new house there. The real question is, if my wife applies for US citizenship, can she still keep her Thai citizenship and still qualify for land ownership? I appreciate any thoughts or direction where to get clear answers.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The general consensus from the community is that your Thai wife can apply for US citizenship without losing her Thai citizenship and that this will not impact her rights to land ownership in Thailand. Several commenters, including Thai-Americans, confirm that dual nationality is permitted in Thailand, and land ownership rights are retained. It is recommended that she uses both passports when traveling to facilitate the immigration process. However, it is suggested to consult a lawyer for official guidance.
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Aake **********
No problem at all
Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks everyone for your information. 99% consensus. Next step will be talking to a lawyer so she can make a decision on citizenship. Great feedback thanks again.
Sean **********
@Eric *******
is did all of the paperwork myself. No lawyer required. Just be careful and thoroughReply to
Sean **********
Reply
Sasi ************
I am a Thai-American, purchased and owned properties with no issues. Birth right is a thing no one can taken way.
John *********
I am a US citizen, married to my Thai wife for 35 years. We moved to the US in 1989 on a fiancé visa (for the Thai citizen) and married 2 months later. My wife waited until 2003 to become a s citizen (dual citizenship). My wife owns land in the US (jointly) and owns land, houses and pickup truck in Thailand. We live in Thailand for the 6 months of winter and the US for baseball season.
Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
thanks! We went to the preseason Dodger game last night!!Reply to
Eric ********
Reply
Sam *********
No issue at all. Good Luck my friend
Rob **********
Yes Thailand allows dual nationality, and it will not affect her rights to land ownership.
Terrence ***********
No
Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Terrence **********
Just curious as to the no answer? You are the only no response. everyone else has said no problem. Obviously, I would consult a attorney before purchasing or making any final decisions. TIATerrence ***********
@Eric *******
it was because of something pertaining to that question I got from YouTubeReply to
Terrence ***********
Reply
David ******
Once she gets her USPassport, she should use her US Passport to exit America, then use her Thai passport to enter Thailand, then use her Thai Passport to exit Thailand and finally use her U.S. Passport to enter America. This avoids any need for any VISAS. Good luck.
Sean ********
@David *****
thats how we do it.Sean **********
@David *****
really? Immigration does care where you went? Or where you are coming from?Robert *****
@Sean *********
exactly correct. My Thai wife does that. She’s also a US citizen. Both passports. We’re both retired and the advantage of US citizenship for her is MEDICARE. Including Medi Cal from California. I’d say yes, get her citizenship in the USA.David ******
We do it all the time. The airlines usually know this and may ask to see both passports, especially when the stay is longer than 30 days (visa exempt) when you present only the US Passport.
Reply to
David ******
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Sarick **********
Your wife can use her Thai ID, house book when dealing with all Thai authorities as always.
Ray *******
Yes
John **********
Yes
Reply to
John **********
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