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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?

dual citizenshipThai birth certificatevisa rulesexpat immigrationThai citizenship processmilitary familyThai consulatebirth registrationThai laws regarding citizenship
Jun 3, 2022
2 years ago
Merry *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Does anyone have any knowledge or experience around what is required to obtain dual citizenship? More specifically, has anyone ever had to acquire a birth certificate in Thailand.

My situation: I was born in 1973 on a US Army base in Bangkok. I had a US birth certificate but also remember seeing a Thai birth certificate at one point. Both of my parents have passed away and I am looking at the possibility of moving to Thailand to try and connect with my heritage. Anyone else the child of someone from the military? My mother was a Thai native and my father was in the US Army until they brought me to the US in 1974.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user seeks guidance on obtaining dual citizenship and a Thai birth certificate due to their unique situation as a child born to a Thai mother and an American father on a US Army base in Thailand. Community members suggest hiring a lawyer, contacting the Thai consulate, and initiating the process by retrieving their Thai birth certificate from the Amphor (local government office). They discuss various immigration routes, including citizenship by maternal lineage, and share personal experiences to aid the user in their journey.
Dan **********
2. Of my daughter just finished the process. If you were actually issued a Thai birth certificate it will probably be easier. If you are in the U.S. go on the Thai consulate web site. They tell you step by step what you need to do. You can also call them their response time was pretty quick. They speak very clear english. Both my kids born in the U.S. to a Thai mother. Did it them self’s with no need for an attorney or agency. The consulate may be able to help you get a copy of your Thai birth certificate if you know what province you were born
2 years ago
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Merry *******
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@Dan *********
 Thank you! I am going to need to get a copy of my Thai birth certificate I believe....
2 years ago
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Dan **********
@Merry ******
 my kids didn’t have a Thai birth certificate so they had to show all the paperwork that their mother was Thai. Was a headache because all her stuff was expired so she had to update it all before they could apply. I think once they had all that it was pretty quick. They were issued birth certificate and a passport. If your married they may give you a passport in your madden name than you have to have it changed after.
2 years ago
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Merry *******
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@Dan *********
 Mom passed in 2003 so I dont have any proof of her. Thats why I believe my only option here would be to get a copy of my birth certificate. I also dont have a copy of my American birth certificate. So Im hoping obtaining a copy from TH wont be horrible. *fingers crossed
2 years ago
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Dan **********
@Merry ******
 I do believe if a Thai birth certificate was issued to you. Than you are already a Thai citizen. So it would just be a matter of uptaning a copy. Than you could get a Thai passport. The Thai consulate is your best resource. The web site addresses deceased Thai parents as well. But also give them a call. They were very helpful when I was researching the process for my kids
2 years ago
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Dan **********
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Michael ********
Join the Thai citizenship group this question has come up there before
2 years ago
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Merry *******
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@Michael *******
 I have joined an alternate group and I believe I have my path now. Thank you!
2 years ago
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Michael ********
@Merry ******
 ok good luck did see similar people in your situation on this one before
2 years ago
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Michael ********
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Merry *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I havent heard of this Amphor before. What is this? Can you explain?
2 years ago
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Eric **********
@Merry ******
 It the Thai version of City Hall...
2 years ago
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Merry *******
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@Eric *********
 Aaaahh! Thank you!
2 years ago
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Merry *******
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Alex ********
If mother was Thai, then not difficult getting Thai citizenship as it is automatic based on maternity.

Just go to Amphor, get a copy of your Thai birth certificate, then go to immigration.
2 years ago
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Cliff *********
You could also take this one step at a time….30 day special tourist visa and get extensions. Take Thai language course, etc. …. Then pursue the citizenship path if you desire.
2 years ago
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Merry *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
There is that route as well. I could also wait another year and go the retirement visa route.
2 years ago
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Cliff *********
@Merry ******
 good luck with your journey
2 years ago
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Merry *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cliff ********
 Thank you!!!
2 years ago
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Merry *******
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Jessica **********************
Both of my children born in NZ. I'm Thai & husband is Laos. If the mother is Thai, the children will be automatic gain Thai Citizen. I took NZ Birth Certificate to authorized & send it to request Thai Birth Certificate from Thai Embassy in NZ. Therefore later on I can apply Thai passport for the children. I would suggest you to contact Thai Embassy in your country for the process. Good luck.😊
2 years ago
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Merry *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jessica *********************
 Thank you for the information!
2 years ago
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Sascha **********
I know two people who were born in either TH or abroad to a Thai mother and farang father and then grew up abroad. They obtained a Thai passport later in live on the basis of having a Thai parent. So yes, it’s possible in your case, but from what I’ve heard also complicated and hiring someone who knows their way around Thai bureaucracy would certainly be advisable, especially if you don’t speak Thai
2 years ago
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Merry *******
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@Sascha *********
 The bureaucracy in US is no more fun. Ive researched getting a copy of my US birth certificate and it appears it needs to come from military archives. Im currently able to use my US passport as my proof of being born when needed and keep it current now.
2 years ago
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Tom ********
I would hire a good lawyer in Bangkok if you are serious about this. Best of luck
2 years ago
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Merry *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tom *******
 I was thinking that I may need to talk with an immigration attorney.
2 years ago
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Tom ********
@Merry ******
 will PM you
2 years ago
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Tom ********
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