"It is not something that is impossible to resolve. There is no reason why we can't do it based on the capabilities of the two countries," he said. The committee would be represented by the relevant authorities such as the immigration departments, he said.

An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 people are believed to have such dual citizenship.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday, Najib noted that Thailand had begun registering its citizens by providing them with smart cards which contained the person's biometric thumbprint.

 With such smart cards, he said the authorities could verify the person's citizenship.

"We can't do it just by checking their names because these people have two names  both Thai and Malaysian," he said.

These people, he said, would have to decide which citizenship to adopt within a stipulated period.

"Thailand is very eager to settle this problem," he added.

To a question about Thailand's probe on financial support for insurgents in southern Thailand, Najib said there was no mention of the subject during his talk with Thaksin.

Najib, who is here for two days to attend the 46th General Border Committee Meeting, also said that Thaksin had relayed to him about the developments in Thai politics and the need for Thailand to have another general election.

"He spoke about the Constitutional matters, besides saying that he had contacted our Prime Minister saying that Malaysia and Thailand have continued their good ties."

Both countries, he said, were satisfied with their bilateral ties.

by Foo Yee Ping

The Nation