Access to Social Protection and Healthcare of Stateless Children

Social protection is a fundamental human right recognized by international frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). It encompasses a variety of policies and programs designed to protect individuals from poverty, vulnerability, and social exclusion throughout their lives.

As of November 2024, over 596,672 stateless individuals, including 179,973 children under 18 years old, are registered with the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), Ministry of Interior (MOI).¹ These children are deprived of fundamental rights, making them highly vulnerable to poverty, exploitation, and social exclusion.² While Thailand has made strides toward integrating stateless populations into healthcare and social protection systems, persistent legal and administrative challenges hinder full and equitable access to essential services.

This study provides an in-depth analysis of these challenges and presents key policy recommendations aimed at improving the access to social protection and healthcare of registered stateless children in Thailand. The scope of this study focuses on registered stateless children, defined as those who do not hold any nationality but have been legally identified in some form, such as having their birth registered or being recorded as stateless individuals within various categories with the MOI.

A qualitative research approach was employed. A literature review analyzed relevant laws and policies, while Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with 51 stakeholders and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 29 participants captured challenges in policy implementation and firsthand community experiences. Additionally, a validation meeting with 68 stakeholders ensured the accuracy of findings and facilitated policy feedback.