The Thai Cabinet has approved new criteria to accelerate the process of granting citizenship and legal status to approximately 480,000 people who have long resided in Thailand, including ethnic minorities and their children born in the kingdom.

The Cabinet endorsed the framework proposed by the National Security Council (NSC) to streamline the naturalization process. The new criteria will replace previous Cabinet resolutions from January 26, 2021, and December 7, 2016.

Key improvements include:
- Significantly reduced processing time from 270 days to just 5 days
- Simplified verification procedures through self-declaration
- Decentralized approval authority between Bangkok and provincial areas
- Streamlined documentation requirements

The beneficiaries include:
- 19 ethnic minority groups who have lived in Thailand for an extended period
- Children born in Thailand to registered long-term residents
- Individuals previously surveyed and registered between 2005-2011

This progressive policy aims to:
- Enhance national security through proper population management
- Ensure access to healthcare and social services
- Enable economic participation through legal employment and financial transactions
- Align with international human rights standards

The Ministry of Interior will implement these new regulations within 30-60 days, marking a significant step forward in Thailand's commitment to resolving statelessness and promoting social inclusion.