BANGKOK, Thailand – Police have launched an operation to dismantle an alleged network accused of arranging false birth registrations for Chinese children using “fake Thai fathers” to obtain Thai nationality documents. The July 9 operation, code-named “Removing the Dragon Scales”, was carried out by Metropolitan Police officers and officials from the Department of Provincial Administration. Authorities targeted individuals allegedly involved in arranging false birth registrations, including Thai nationals acting as “fake fathers,” a hospital employee, and a district office official. Investigators arrested a medical records officer at a private hospital in Thonburi, who is alleged to have acted as a broker for the network. Police said she helped arrange Chinese clients to give birth at the hospital and coordinate documentation procedures. According to investigators, customers were charged a package fee of around 70,000 baht, while the accused officer allegedly received 20,000 baht as a coordination fee. Police said the activity had reportedly continued for more than five years.
A review of hospital records found 164 cases involving Chinese children whose birth registrations listed Thai fathers during the past five years. Investigators said they found no previous prenatal records showing involvement of Thai fathers, with some individuals allegedly appearing only later during the birth registration process. Police also arrested a district office employee accused of helping register acknowledgements of parenthood and issue birth certificates for Chinese children.
The suspects were taken to Metropolitan Police Division 8 for questioning as officers continue expanding the investigation. Authorities are also preparing to seek search warrants for the homes of parents linked to the alleged network. Police said charges include allegations of misconduct by officials, abuse of authority, and related offences, with further legal action to follow based on evidence.
