On 30 October 2025, World Vision Foundation of Thailand, in collaboration with Mueang District Office, Mae Hong Son Province and a network of public and private partners, organised a ceremony to present Thai national ID cards and ID cards for individuals without registration status. This initiative aims to resolve statelessness issues in line with the cabinet resolution.
The event was presided over by Mr Boonlue Thammatharanurak, Deputy Governor of Mae Hong Son Province, and attended by Acting Major Yutthana Chaodooree, Mueang District Chief Office, heads of government agencies, and Amaralak Khamhong, Grant Management Department Manager at World Vision Foundation of Thailand.
Mr Boonlue Thammatharanurak, Deputy Governor of Mae Hong Son Province, stated:
“Mae Hong Son is a border province with rich ethnic diversity. Addressing registration status issues is crucial to ensure that everyone residing in Thailand can access fundamental rights such as education, healthcare, and employment. This will help improve people’s quality of life sustainably.”
Amaralak Khamhong, Grant Management Department Manager at World Vision Foundation of Thailand, added:
“Today is not just the day you receive an ID card. It is the day you fully gain dignity, opportunity, and fundamental rights as citizens. This card is like a key that unlocks the door to a better life—enabling access to state welfare, education, healthcare, travel, and fair employment opportunities. These are rights you deserve and have long awaited. We commend your perseverance and determination in overcoming obstacles to reach this day.”
At this event, a total of 60 people, including students and people from 19 minority groups, received Thai national ID cards and ID cards for individuals without registration status.
- 22 students under ‘G Code’ category
- 8 individuals granted Thai nationality
- 30 individuals granted legal migrant status
These individuals are part of the 5,638 approved applicants, placing Mae Hong Son fourth nationwide.
Beyond the card-presentation ceremony, the event also promoted understanding of rights, duties, and responsibilities as citizens, as well as loyalty to the nation, religion, and monarchy, and living together under a democratic system with the King as Head of State.
Kimhan, a third-year automotive student at a vocational college in Mae Hong Son, shared:
“Today I feel relieved and happy because I have never had an ID card before. It is like unlocking my life and giving me a chance to move forward. Previously, being stateless made studying and working very difficult. Sometimes I had to give up my dreams because I lacked travel documents or could not apply for jobs. I want to thank my teacher, kind-hearted adults, and World Vision Foundation of Thailand for helping me. Without them, I would not be here today. Now that I have an ID card, I plan to continue my education and build a better future so I can give back to society.”
This initiative was made possible through cooperation among multiple agencies, including Mueang District Office, Mae Hong Son Province, World Vision Foundation of Thailand, Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, Mae Hong Son Provincial Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre, Mae Hong Son Provincial Justice Office, Mae Hong Son Provincial Police Station, Mae Hong Son Provincial Education Office, Mae Hong Son Primary Education Service Area Office 1, Mae Hong Son Secondary Education Service Area Office, and the network for promoting the rights of the ethnic groups.
This reflects a shared commitment to reducing social inequality and creating opportunities for people living in border areas to gain legal status and improve their quality of life.
Acting Major Yutthana Chaodooree, Mueang District Chief Office, concluded:
“Today marks another proud achievement in issuing Thai national ID cards and ID cards for individuals without legal status. The entire process went smoothly. On behalf of the district office and district registration office, I thank all partners for their cooperation. This success demonstrates our dedication to protecting human rights and promoting equality in Mueang District, Mae Hong Son Province.”
World Vision Foundation of Thailand continues working to resolve legal status issues in border areas characterised by ethnic diversity and intricate legal frameworks. This activity is part of the ‘Legal Status and Rights Development for Stateless Children and Youth Project’, which aims to provide students registered under ‘G Code’ with a 13-digit Thai national ID number, granting access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, fair employment, and legal protection—ultimately creating better opportunities for a stable and sustainable future.
