Citizenship Registration

Many Moken were born stateless. Without Thai citizenship a person has no ID card, and doors to schooling, work and healthcare stay closed.

In late 2016 Philip helped a government team register stateless Moken for Thai citizenship — 121 across three islands. Almost three years later, in June 2019, a group of Moken families were called to collect their ID cards; among them was Wud's whole family. Philip laughed watching the Moken, who did not quite grasp the ceremony, do everything "wrong" — but it no longer mattered. On paper, at last, they belonged.

In September 2026 Philip shared that some Moken have recently received their ID cards, others are in the process, and he has applied for more of the children.

Registration is slow, ongoing work. Tell us you'd like to help through the support page, mention the reference Algemeen, and we'll reply personally with the details.