Thai Police Bust Fake Birth Registration Ring, Over 100 Chinese Children Had Fake Thai Fathers

(Central News Agency Reporter Li Zongxuan, Bangkok, July 9) Thai police announced today the dismantling of a criminal group suspected of forging birth registrations. They are suspected of arranging Thai men to act as "fake fathers" to help 164 Chinese children obtain Thai nationality. Police have arrested a total of 42 people, including 18 Thai men suspected of acting as biological fathers, hospital staff, district office officials, and Chinese parents, and are expanding their investigation.

The Royal Thai Police and the Department of Local Administration of the Ministry of Interior jointly held a press conference today, stating that the case originated from an investigation in 2024 into a Chinese man suspected of fraud and money laundering. It was discovered that his three children all held Thai nationality. Further investigation revealed the entire criminal network of fake birth registrations.

The Bangkok Post and Khaosodenglish reported that police investigations indicate that a medical records manager at a private hospital in Bangkok allegedly acted as an intermediary, offering production packages to Chinese clients for 70,000 Thai baht (approximately NT$67,000). Investigators stated that she could collect a handling fee of about 20,000 Thai baht for each case and has allegedly been operating this illegal business for over 5 years.

Investigations found that over the past 5 years, children born to 164 Chinese mothers were registered with Thai men as their fathers. Investigators pointed out that no prenatal records related to Thai fathers were found, adding that the Thai men only appeared afterward to acknowledge paternity, thereby enabling the hospital to issue birth registration documents listing them as the children's fathers.

Police also arrested a household registration official from a district office, who is accused of assisting with the registration procedures and issuing birth certificates.

Reports indicate that a total of 18 Thai men accused of acting as "fake fathers," 21 Chinese parents, and 1 Laotian mother have been arrested.

Police added that at least 19 children have been confirmed through DNA testing to have no blood relation to the registered fathers, and their birth registrations have been revoked.

Furthermore, as this case may involve money laundering crimes, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has intervened to investigate the flow of funds and related assets involved. Police will also continue to investigate other potentially involved hospitals and related personnel. (Editor: Wei Shu) 0709

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