“Before, I did not have a Thai ID card. When I got sick and had to go to the hospital, we had to pay very high medical fees because the hospital thought I was a migrant. I also felt scared every time I went outside because if I got checked, I would be seen as a migrant. That is why my father rarely took me anywhere except within the area near our home.”
This is the story of Warut, or Tee, a 9-year-old third-grade student who once lived without legal status. Today, he can travel confidently and access the basic rights he deserves.
Taweesak, Tee’s father, says: “I am Thai but his mother is Cambodian. When he was born, his mother traveled back to Cambodia to give birth and registered his birth there, which meant Tee did not receive Thai citizenship. I had to spend over 9 years traveling back and forth between Thailand and Cambodia to gather documents and take my son for a DNA test to prove our father-son relationship. All of this was to ensure my son could have a Thai ID card, obtain Thai citizenship, and access the basic welfare he deserves.
World Vision Thailand collaborates with Aranyaprathet District Office, Sa Kaeo Provincial Juvenile and Family Observation and Protection Center, Sa Kaeo Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, Sa Kaeo Protection Center for the Destitute, Sa Kaeo Primary Educational Service Area Office 2, local police stations, schools, community leaders, and volunteers to implement the “pilot project on stateless children to access legal status and basic services” in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, with the following objectives:
- Enhance the capacity of project staff in improving personal status
- Establish a collaborative network with government agencies to cover all dimensions
- Build capacity for community volunteers
- Promote the quality of life of children and vulnerable groups to ensure they can access their rights
“pilot project on stateless children to access legal status and basic services”
The family of Tee is one of the many families participating in the project. The parents have already prepared all the necessary documents and taken Tee for a DNA test. The only remaining step is the completion of the identity verification process. The project has facilitated identity verification and the issuance of the ID card until the process is complete.
“Things are different now. I can travel anywhere with peace of mind. When I go to the hospital, we no longer have to worry about expenses like before. I am very happy and want to thank everyone who helped me get an ID card, like my friends,” Tee says, smiling.
His father adds proudly, “I planned to surprise my wife by telling her that our son got his ID card as a birthday gift for her. But I was outdone by Tee, who secretly called and told her on the day we went to get the card.”
The implementation of this project is another significant step in improving the quality of life for vulnerable children and their families. Every child should have the right to nationality, be protected, and have access to essential basic rights, enabling them to grow up securely and fully participate in society.
“pilot project on stateless children to access legal status and basic services”
