Thailand’s push to expand citizenship opportunities has hit a major snag allegations of bribery by local officials. A House committee is now probing claims that officials demanded cash from applicants during the registration process, raising serious concerns about corruption in the system.
How the Alleged Bribes Worked
At least five cases are under investigation, involving both long-term residents and people born in Thailand without formal nationality. One shocking report describes an official asking for a 30,000-baht bribe, split into smaller payments. The applicant only managed 8,000 baht, which led to more pressure for the remaining amount. This isn’t just a one-off story several similar complaints have surfaced.
Table: Bribery Allegations in Citizenship Applications
| Case | Alleged Bribe Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Case 1 | 30,000 baht (in installments) | Under review |
| Case 2 | 20,000 baht | Reported to committee |
| Case 3 | 15,000 baht | Evidence gathering |
| Case 4 | 25,000 baht | Verification stage |
| Case 5 | 18,000 baht | Pending investigation |
Officials in the Hot Seat
The House Committee on Local Administration, led by Korrawee Prissananantakul of the Bhumjaithai Party, is spearheading the probe. Senior Ministry of Interior leaders, the Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA), and governors from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have already been pulled into the spotlight. Even though citizenship approvals happen at the district level, there’s a growing suspicion that higher-ranking officials could also be involved.
Why Citizenship Demand Has Spiked
This wave of applications stems from a Cabinet resolution passed in October 2024, allowing nearly 500,000 migrants to apply for Thai nationality. The program, which runs through June next year, has overwhelmed local offices already struggling with staff shortages and limited resources. That strain may have opened doors for exploitation, with vulnerable applicants becoming easy targets for bribery schemes.
The Bigger Picture
Corruption in citizenship processes doesn’t just hurt individuals it undermines trust in the entire system. For applicants who see citizenship as their key to stability and opportunity, the idea of paying extra “fees” feels like buying rights that should already belong to them. The investigations underway could reshape how Thailand manages nationality in the future.
Conclusion
The bribery scandal tied to Thai citizenship applications is more than just a few bad apples it’s a wake-up call. With half a million people eligible to apply, the stakes are high. Whether the probe leads to real accountability or fades away will reveal how serious Thailand is about fighting corruption at its roots.