Thai PM Is a British Citizen

Thailand’s prime minister may be in some hot water. Abhisit Vejjajiva acknowledged that he holds British citizenship, an admission that may make him vulnerable to prosecution for the deaths of around 90 people in anti-government demonstrations back in 2008. —JCL

The Guardian:

Thailand’s prime minister has admitted for the first time that he is also a British citizen, which opponents believe makes him liable for prosecution for alleged human rights abuses during a recent crackdown on anti-government protests.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva publicly acknowledged his dual nationality on Thursday during a debate in parliament. He automatically holds British citizenship because he was born in Newcastle upon Tyne to parents from a well-to-do Bangkok family. He would have to specifically renounce it to lose it.

“I admit I have not given up British nationality because it is understood legally that … if the nationality laws are conflicting, Thai law must be used,” Abhisit said in response to an opposition MP’s question.

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Wikimedia Commons / World Economic Forum

Blighty born: Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.