Access to Education for Stateless Persons in Thailand

This research aims to examine the experiences of stateless children and youth in Thailand in accessing educational services, exploring how their experiences differ from those of Thai children and youth. It also compares access to educational opportunities among various groups of stateless children and youth, including those holding ID number starting with 7, 0, and G-code, using the concepts of public policy and human-centered policy design to understand their experiences. Stateless children or youth holding ID numbers starting with 7 are descendants of ethnic minority groups who were born in Thailand. Those holding ID numbers starting with 0 are persons with legal status problem who have no tie with another country and have been registered by the RTG. Finally, G-code students are school-age children or youth enrolled at a Thai educational institution but not having a Thai nationality and unable to present any civil registration evidence. 

The study employs qualitative research methods, including an analysis of policy documents related to the education of stateless individuals and in-depth interviews with stakeholders. The interview data come from two groups of stakeholders. The first group are stakeholders at the policy level, including representatives from government agencies, civil society, and academics. The second group are local-level stakeholders in three areas with significant stateless populations: Umphang District, Tak Province; Mae Chaem and Chiang Dao Districts, Chiang Mai Province; and Than To and Bannang Sata Districts, Yala Province. A total of 65 participants were interviewed.