How difficult is it to naturalize in Thailand and is tea money involved?

Naturalization in Thailand Thai citizenship Permanent Residency in Thailand Visa regulations Expat community in Thailand Thai immigration process

Jun 7, 2021

4 years ago

David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m curious - I know that in theory it’s possible to naturalize in Thailand - but has anyone actually done it / know someone who has done it? Was everything as straight forward as is described on the thai governments website? Or were large amounts of tea money required? Anything worth mentioning?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Naturalizing in Thailand is possible, and several individuals have successfully become citizens. The process generally requires holding a Permanent Residence (PR) status for at least two years after working legally in Thailand for three years, with a monthly income of at least 80,000 THB. Some mention the existence of a Facebook group that shares relevant information. Contrary to past practices, purchasing citizenship or PR is no longer common. Applicants must also meet language proficiency requirements and should be mindful of the limited number of PR slots available each year, which can complicate the process.

Sian ********

I have a friend who has done it you have to be able to read, write and speak Thai ( amongst other things)

4 years ago

Sean ********

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4 years ago

Tod *********

Keep in mind Permanent Residence is open to 100 people per country per year (and they usually open up the application process at the end of the year). In Bangkok you apply and can get information from the main immigration office at Chaengwattana Counter D.

They have a 100% approval record <- which means IF you aren't gonna get approved you're not gonna be able to apply :P

4 years ago

Oliver *************

Funny

4 years ago

Michael ********

@Oliver ************

Man walks into bar, goes ouch. Thats funny

4 years ago

Reply to

Michael ********

Tod *********

Here's the simplified version of how it's done If you're a single male;

the only way to become a naturalized thai is to work legally here for 3 years on unbroken yearly extensions of stays making a minimum of 80K a month and apply for Permanent Residence status FIRST, then after holding PR for 2 years AND continuing to work here you can apply for thai nationality.

It's a straight forward process, tick the boxes, meet the requirements, get PR, tick the boxes meet the requirements get to be a thai. DON'T meet them you don't.

It's not like years ago where people "bought" thai nationality or PR

4 years ago

David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

thanks a lot! But I was under the impression it’s 5 years? Did I miss something?

4 years ago

Tod *********

Unless I'm mistaken

@Da***

you can apply for PR after 3 years of work, and then once you get PR it's another 2 so it totals 5 for the naturalized thai application

Go to that website and matching F/B page run by Chris Larkin

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4 years ago

Michael ********

Deimos Phobos not neccesary but helpful there is a point system and having language abilities gives you more points

4 years ago

Reply to

Michael ********

I know a few people who have done it, mostly female but one friend i know has recently just become a citizen.

There is a facebook group "thai citizenship group" which is full of all information required.

4 years ago

David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

great. I’ll look up and join that group. I appreciate the info 🙏

4 years ago

Reply to

David **********

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