The Unregistered Existence: A Moral Mission to Establish Legal Identity

This article addresses the plight of individuals without legal registration in Thailand, who are thereby denied access to fundamental rights such as healthcare, education and social welfare. A case study in Nong Nam Sai Subdistrict, Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, highlights the role of the Buddharaksa Moral Community Project, which mobilizes the “Baworn” network (Home–Temple–School/Government) in cooperation with state agencies and private organizations. The project assists persons with disabilities, the elderly and unregistered individuals through DNA testing, legal documentation and civil registration. Findings reveal structural challenges, including insufficient budgets and limited local forensic capacity, while also underscoring the strength of community-driven efforts. Ultimately, this moral mission demonstrates how integrated collaboration can restore human dignity and grant full citizenship rights to those long excluded from the system.