Anutin Clarifies Benjamin’s Thai Citizenship Request Issue

Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, has addressed the controversy surrounding Benjamin Mauerberger's Thai citizenship application. Anutin clarified that the application, which allegedly faced a blockage during his time as Minister of the Interior, was never received due to incomplete documentation. According to Thai News Agency, Anutin explained that while the Minister of the Interior had signed off on the approval, his own signature was not added because the necessary paperwork was still pending. The process required the application to be reviewed by various governmental bodies, including the police and the Department of Provincial Administration. Without complete documentation, the application could not advance to the Minister's office. In response to queries about a potential conflict with Thaksin Shinawatra, for whom Mauerberger allegedly brokered aircraft, Anutin dismissed any connection. He firmly stated, "What does it have to do with anything," urging against drawing unnece ssary links between the citizenship application and political tensions. Anutin assured that the procedures followed for Mauerberger's application adhered strictly to the regulations and that the process was not halted due to any personal or political reasons. He emphasized that the document could not be signed without proper verification and completion of the required evidence. The application had to pass through the Department of Provincial Administration and the Office of the Permanent Secretary before reaching the Minister of the Interior. As per standard protocol, incomplete documentation could not be advanced to the Minister's level, ensuring that all processes were conducted correctly.