Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva admits that he is a Geordie
February 25th, 2011 - 8:27 pm ICT by Aishwarya BhattBangkok, Feb 25 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva admitted publicly for the first time that he holds dual citizenship.
The prime minister was born in Newcastle and based on that he holds a British passport. Mr. Vejjajiva made the admission in Thailand’s Parliament during a debate with the opposition. Though this is the first time that he has admitted holding dual citizenship, he has on previous occasions declared his support for the Newcastle Football Club because he was born in the city.
The citizenship of Vejjajiva has been an issue in Thailand since last month. The Prime Minister has for some time now avoided the question but when an opposition MP confronted him on the issue on Thursday, Vejjajiva said that, “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. I studied in England but I intended to return to work and live in Thailand, to work for the country’s interest.”
The opposition is expected to seize on the admission by the Prime Minister. They are seeking International Criminal Court charges against the Prime Minister for the violent crackdown on protesters during last year’s Red Shirt protests.
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