World Vision Foundation of Thailand jointly supported the event “Protecting Rights, Safeguarding People, Fostering an Equal Society”, providing DNA testing for Thai nationals who have slipped through the civil registration system in Chiang Mai province. The initiative drives forward the policies of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice to address the issue of Thai nationals missing from the civil registration system. These individuals are legally entitled to Thai nationality but are unable to access the lawful process for proving biological relationships.
The activities were held from 23–24 February 2026, with the collaboration and data integration of several government agencies and network partners, including the Rights and Liberties Protection Department, the Central Institute of Forensic Science, the Department of Special Investigation, the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, the National Health Security Office (Region 1 Chiang Mai), Fang Hospital, World Vision Foundation of Thailand, civil society partners, and district registration offices across Chiang Mai province.
23 February 2026 – Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province: The opening ceremony took place in the Chiang Dao District Meeting Hall, chaired by Mr Chainarong Nantasai, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai. On this day, individuals who have been left unregistered in the civil registration system from several districts—Saraphi, Doi Saket, Mae Taeng, Wiang Haeng, and Chiang Dao—attended for DNA testing. A total of 50 families, or 121 individuals, took part, comprising 63 unregistered persons and 58 Thai-national reference persons.
24 February 2026 – Fang District, Chiang Mai Province: The second day of activities was held at the Fang District Meeting Hall, chaired by Acting Sub‑Lieutenant Nopparat Supakitkoson, District Chief of Fang. Participants from Fang, Mae Ai, Chai Prakan, and Mae Suai districts attended for DNA testing. A total of 35 families, or 93 individuals, took part, comprising 55 unregistered persons and 38 Thai-national reference persons.
The event also featured exhibition booths on law and human rights from various agencies, aimed at helping community members better understand the rights they are entitled to and enabling their equal access.
Sumit Wophapho, Specialist in Legal Status and Rights at World Vision Foundation of Thailand, stated:
“In Chiang Mai, there are individuals who are Thai by birth. However, they do not have birth registration, leaving them without identification documents. Some people have conflicting documents that cannot be used as credible evidence during the process of verifying biological relationships. Under Thailand’s Nationality Act (1965), as amended (No. 4, 2008), Section 7(1) stipulates that a person born to a Thai father or mother, regardless of whether the birth occurs inside or outside the Kingdom, is entitled to Thai nationality. This group, therefore, requires DNA test results to prove biological relationships so that they can be added to the household registration or have their nationality officially recognised.”
DNA testing is, therefore, a vital step in helping verify legal biological relationships, providing a pathway for these individuals to access the state’s fundamental rights, such as education, healthcare, and other welfare services.
World Vision Foundation of Thailand remains committed to working closely with government agencies and civil society networks to continue addressing the challenges faced by unregistered Thai nationals and stateless persons, ensuring they can access their lawful rights equitably and sustainably. This work contributes to the promotion of human rights principles and advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, aimed at improving the quality of life for children, families, and communities in a sustainable manner.
