Should My Son Renounce Thai Citizenship? - Ajarn Forum

uncleclot · 21st May 2007, 02:04

My Son has dual citizenship, both Thai and US. My daughter is also a dual citizen, but that's no problem. My problem lies here. If my son keeps his Thai citizenship, but we are residing in the US, does he still have to register for the Thai Military draft when he turns 21? If so, and he does not register, would he be considered a "criminal"? Would he be "arrested" traveling back to Thailand to visit family? When he is older (age 15?), should he just formerly renounce his Thai citizenship to avoid the possibility of being drafted? Does anyone know if he even has to register since he is also a US citizen and resides in the US? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

MisterStretch · 21st May 2007, 08:15

Unc, I'm not sure about the Thai military draft, but if your son is a U.S. citizen he does have to register with the selective service in the U.S., regardless of where he resides.

Jon · 21st May 2007, 09:48

What's that? I thought they were all 'volunteers' in the US military?

latm · 21st May 2007, 09:56

The US has an all volunteer military, and there is no draft at present, but all males must register when they turn eighteen. If that isn't done, there are future consequences in terms of potential benefits, though I haven't heard about any criminal penalties being implemented; however, there may be criminal sanctions possible.

8ball · 21st May 2007, 10:12

My son has dual nationality

British 'n Thai

last year he had to go thro' the draft here in LOS

he got a black,,,,,, lucky

if ur son keeps his Thai passport he will be in the draft

if he's living abroad at that time,,,, he'll be up 4 it wen he returns

zehner · 21st May 2007, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8ball

he got a black,,,,,, lucky

what's that ringo?

8ball · 21st May 2007, 11:23

The guys in the draft pick tokens out of a box

black = lucky

red = they've got u

they do this so everyone feels the process is transparent

'course if u pay 1st,,,, ur name dun even go into the box

*cough ,,,,,,, TiT

zehner · 21st May 2007, 12:23

greased the palm huh?

MisterStretch · 21st May 2007, 12:47

Not registering for the Selective Service in the States can result in criminal prosecution. It can also eliminate the non-registrant from receiving government benefits or student loans for studying in universities or vocational programs.

kenkannif · 21st May 2007, 12:53

Yeah I was going to say paying your way out is probably better than giving up the nationality.....it's what I'll probably do (if crying and begging doesn't work).

Heng · 28th May 2007, 20:08

The other option is a 'walk in the park' -so they say, anyway- ROTC type service for 6-8 weeks for college students. Not sure what the formal procedure is for Thais who are overseas into their 20's... but for myself, no draft letter ever came, and no one has ever said anything when I have renewed my Thai passport and id card. I'm 32 now, maybe some flag will pop up when I renew again around age 40.

edit: renouncing one's citizenship is definitely a burning one's bridges type of move... possibly sentencing the kid to a life of visa running without property ownership should he/she decide to live here one day. And one in fact never knows... even I never thought I'd spend a good portion of my life in the LOS.

Ban Saray · 28th May 2007, 21:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterStretch

Not registering for the Selective Service in the States can result in criminal prosecution. It can also eliminate the non-registrant from receiving government benefits or student loans for studying in universities or vocational programs.

Or do a GWB turn up to get kitted with a uniform then go on two years sick leave.
Fucking bludger.
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Heng

but for myself, no draft letter ever came, and no one has ever said anything when I have renewed my Thai passport and id card. I'm 32 now,

Heng are you saying that the Thai government did not ask you to choose which passport you wanted?
I was told six years ago that when my daughter turns 22, she must renunce one of her passports (Thai/Australian)

Heng · 29th May 2007, 07:23

Yes, that is what I'm saying. I have both and was never asked to choose between the two.

dexteur · 29th January 2008, 10:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8ball

The guys in the draft pick tokens out of a box

black = lucky

red = they've got u

they do this so everyone feels the process is transparent

'course if u pay 1st,,,, ur name dun even go into the box

*cough ,,,,,,, TiT

So how do you pay for it?

stfranalum · 29th January 2008, 11:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by dexteur

So how do you pay for it?

show up in nice clothes and drop hints. how in the hell else do bribes work, dufus?

you're looking for a website with secure ez-pay?