Thailand Tightens Child Registration Rules Against Fake Fathers
Thailand's Interior Ministry is tightening child registration procedures nationwide to prevent criminal networks from fraudulently obtaining Thai nationality for foreign children. The crackdown targets "surrogate father" schemes used to lau
On July 11, 2025, Lalida Periyawiwattana, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is committed to preventing corruption and fraud in Thailand's civil registration system. The Interior Ministry has accelerated measures to crack down on fraudulent child registration, closing loopholes exploited by international criminal networks that grant Thai nationality to foreign children before using it to acquire property, conduct business, or launder money through Thai citizens.
Deputy Interior Minister Palpeer Suwarnchuay announced the expansion of operations against marriage fraud and false child recognition, uncovering a scheme where Thai nationals were hired as "surrogate fathers" to register foreign nationals' children as Thai citizens. Following investigations, the Interior Ministry issued urgent directives to all 878 district registration offices nationwide to strengthen child registration procedures, requiring at least one parent who is a foreign national to appear personally before registration officials. This verification is designed to confirm parentage and prevent document fraud.
Spokesperson Lalida stated that these measures represent enhanced preventive screening to close loopholes in the civil registration system and reduce opportunities for international criminal networks to misuse Thai nationality for property holdings, business ventures, or money laundering through Thai citizens—issues that threaten national security and the country's interests.
Deputy Minister Palpeer confirmed the government will continue system improvements alongside strict law enforcement, applying the principle of "ignoring names, watching behavior." Regardless of whether violators are civilians, foreigners, or state officials, those found involved in wrongdoing will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
"The government addresses root causes, not just prosecuting offenders," said Lalida. "We're closing system loopholes to prevent recurrence, creating transparency in civil registration management, and protecting the country's long-term interests."
