Fake Birth Certificate Probe Widens Across Thailand, Over 60 Suspected

An investigation into a fraudulent birth registration network in Thailand has expanded, with over 60 individuals now under scrutiny. Police and health officials are intensifying probes into multiple medical facilities, including eight hospitals in Bangkok, suspected of facilitating the scheme to falsely register foreign nationals as Thai citizens. Pol Gen Samran Nualma, deputy national police chief, stated that while the initial 40 arrest warrants have been executed, approximately 22 others, including two suspected ringleaders, remain at large overseas, believed to have changed their nationalities to evade warrants. The investigation has since broadened to include four to five hospitals potentially linked to the scheme, extending beyond the Thon Buri area. Meanwhile, a source from the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) confirmed that investigations are ongoing at eight hospitals in Bangkok that may be connected to the fraudulent nationality scheme. The focus is on identifying hospital workers who allegedly used Thai men's names to replace those of Chinese men, while the Chinese mothers retained their identities. Officers are also examining Thon Buri district officials involved in the false registrations. According to the source, a similar pattern of fraud has been observed at each hospital under investigation. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat announced on Friday that no state-run hospitals have been found to be involved in the scheme thus far. If false information is uncovered, particularly in cases where a foreign mother is involved and the father is listed as Thai despite not being the biological father, DNA tests will be conducted to verify the blood relationship before legal action proceeds. Dr Phuwadej Surakhot, director-general of DHSS, reported that an initial review of medical records from two hospitals identified four individuals requiring further investigation. Four other private hospitals will undergo similar scrutiny, concentrating on cases where a foreign mother is listed with a Thai father, to confirm biological paternity. The DHSS is also reviewing measures to prevent loopholes in birth certificate issuance, potentially including verifying the identity of those claiming paternity, such as by checking national identification cards, before recording the information to prevent fraudulent claims. Piyarat Chongthep, deputy leader of the People's Party (PP) and an MP, stated he was informed by a source that the fake birth registration network has been operating since at least 2023 and is linked to a hospital in the Rama IX area. He raised concerns about the government's future actions regarding children born under these fraudulent registrations, questioning their citizenship status, right to reside in Thailand, or potential deportation, noting a lack of clear government indication on these matters.