Litilong Ju Kaa

Born 1 January 1994*
School Ban Huay Mae Sai School
Village Jalae Village

Parents:

Father Jakoy JuKaa
Mother Naya JaKaa

His Story

When Litilong was born his parents did not know of the necessary procedures for registering his birth and documenting him as a citizen. At the time, his parents were not citizens. Since his birth, his parents have obtained citizenship but Litilong was away helping his extended family in another village when this opportunity for citizenship arose so he missed out. Thai Citizenship Project has worked with Litilong to get DNA testing to prove that he is indeed his parents’ child. The test is complete and Litilong is now waiting for his citizenship papers to be processed.

Litilong says that he is thankful for the opportunity to get his citizenship. He wants to one day be a teacher and teach his fellow hilltribe villagers and he knows that this would not be possible without citizenship. He wants his village and other villages to be educated with the knowledge necessary to improve their own lives. With citizenship, he will have access to scholarship money denied non-citizens. He explains that many of his friends also face the problem of denial of citizenship, he estimates anywhere from 4-8 of them and he hopes that they too can get their rightful citizenship.

Litilong’s parents explain that Litilong is a very diligent, serious child. His mother is mute but the two parents together communicate to explain that Litilong helps everyday with chores for his parents. He walks a distance to fetch water, cooks rice and cleans the house each day. They say that even though they are a poor family, Litilong never wants things or money, he is a happy child and the only thing he wishes for is his citizenship.

*Note* Because non-citizens lack documentation of their birth, when families go to register their children it is quite common for them to choose January 1 as their child’s birthdate.