BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Public Health is reviewing medical records from two private hospitals after authorities identified numerous cases potentially linked to false paternity registrations involving children of foreign nationals unlawfully seeking Thai nationality. Minister of Public Health Pattana Promphat stated that the case arose from an ongoing police investigation into scam networks, which uncovered irregularities in the registration of children’s parents.
The Department of Health Service Support exercised its legal authority to request medical records from the hospitals involved. The Minister emphasized that this request does not imply wrongdoing by either hospital. However, if investigators find evidence of intentional involvement, those responsible could face penalties under the Sanatorium Act B.E. 2541 (1998), including up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.
Department of Health Service Support Deputy Director-General Akom Praditsuwan reported that documents have been received from two private hospitals. An initial review identified 196 potentially irregular cases at one hospital and four at the other. Akom’s position is confirmed by the department’s official executive directory. The department plans to complete its review by July 17, 2026, before forwarding the findings to police investigators. If further questions arise and genetic testing is needed, the police will coordinate with the department to arrange DNA examinations. (NNT)
