Health
Parliamentary Committee Investigates 'Fake Father' Scheme in Bangkok Hospitals
A House committee has identified over 1,000 suspicious cases in Bangkok hospitals where foreign nationals may be falsely claiming paternity to secure residency rights.
On August 13, 2026, the House Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, led by Rangsiman Rome, reported on an investigation into the 'fake father' scheme. According to Khaosod Online, the committee identified between 1,000 and 1,500 suspicious cases across eight hospitals in Bangkok. These cases involve instances where foreign nationals allegedly claim to be the fathers of children born to foreign mothers to potentially gain legal status or residency rights in Thailand.
During the committee meeting, member Piyarat Chongthep noted that two private hospitals failed to attend the hearing to provide testimony. The committee highlighted significant obstacles in addressing the issue, specifically citing a lack of budget for DNA testing and complexities regarding the revocation of citizenship or legal status. Rangsiman Rome criticized the government for a perceived lack of effective action in curbing these fraudulent activities.
For residents and expatriates, this investigation underscores ongoing government scrutiny regarding birth registration and immigration documentation. While the committee has flagged these cases for further review, it remains to be confirmed how the government will allocate resources for DNA verification and what specific legal actions will be taken against the individuals or institutions involved. The committee continues to gather facts, and further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.