In a bid to address Thailand’s declining birth rates, the research director of inclusive development at the Thailand Research Development Institute (TDRI) has put forward a radical proposal to grant Thai citizenship to migrant workers’ children.
With a projected drop of 100,000 births over the next four to five years, attributed to financial constraints and lifestyle choices, Dr Somchai Jitsuchon’s plan could be a game-changer.
“Many families are either opting not to have children or limiting themselves to just one due to financial pressures. Traditional government campaigns to encourage more births might not cut it.”
Dr Somchai proposes granting Thai citizenship to children born to ethnic minority parents or migrant workers, which is estimated to number around a million. But, it’s not just about paperwork, it’s about ensuring these…
