>> DNA tests were launched yesterday on stateless people who are believed to be Thai citizens in Yala based on a similar test performed since July last year in the Malaysian state of Kelantan.
The tests, which will compare the people's genetic carriers with those of their Thai relatives, follow a concern voiced by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn over their living conditions as they have no access to basic welfare under Thai law.
The princess raised the issue during her visit to Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre in Yala's Muang district on Sept 20, 2016.
In July of last year, SBPAC secretary-general Supanat Siranthawineti led officials to Kota Bharu to start the DNA testing project for Thai people living in this city, the capital of the Malaysian state of Kelantan which borders Narathiwat.
If and when they are granted nationality, they will enjoy rights to education, employment and medical treatment, he said. The move to list their identities is also done for the sake of security.
If authorities ignore problems stemming from unclear citizenship status, national security will be affected in a long run, Mr Supanat said. He also warned against social ramifications for children of the stateless people.
Currently, an estimated 1,000 people who do not have Thai nationality are living in the southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Satun. According to Mr Supanat, this group of people will have their DNA examined and compared with what he called "reference subjects" who are their living relatives to determine whether they have blood relationship with Thai citizens.
The examination was underway in Yala yesterday before moving to other provinces. The lists of the statement people's names are prepared by the Department of Provincial Administration which has already sent them to the SBPAC to start the DNA tests. Similar procedures are being carried out by the Thai consulate in Kota Bharu. Officials found less than 100 people do not have identity cards. Experts from Prince of Songkhla University's Department of Pathology have joined the SBPAC to help with the know-how. Their will collect DNA samples for lab tests in the southernmost provinces until September.
