DOPA flags 1,500 suspected fake-father cases, rejects 10,000 figure as unverified

Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has clarified that between 1,000 and 1,500 suspected “fake father” cases linked to eight private hospitals in Bangkok are classified as high-risk records requiring further investigation, rather than confirmed cases of fraudulent acquisition of Thai nationality.

The department also stressed that a figure of as many as 10,000 cases nationwide, which has circulated publicly, has not been verified through an official investigation.

DOPA has ordered registration offices across the country to conduct retrospective checks and identify suspicious records before authorities determine the true scale of the problem.

The clarification followed a Facebook post by People’s Party party-list MP Piyarat Chongthep, vice-chairman of the House Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice and Human Rights, who suggested that the number of people potentially obtaining Thai nationality through false paternity declarations could reach 10,000 nationwide.

DOPA said the issue was being treated seriously because it concerns the accuracy of Thailand’s civil-registration database, personal status, nationality and national security.

Up to 1,500 Bangkok cases require further investigation

The department said the 1,000–1,500 records associated with eight private hospitals in Bangkok represented a group showing risk indicators and requiring additional scrutiny.

It emphasised that this did not mean every person in the group had fraudulently obtained Thai nationality.

Each case must be examined individually using documentary evidence, witness testimony, medical records, civil-registration information and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Authorities have already been working with the Royal Thai Police, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Department of Health Service Support and other agencies to investigate suspected false-paternity registrations.

DOPA said previous investigations had resulted in legal action against people for whom evidence of involvement had been established, including individuals allegedly posing as fathers, foreign nationals, healthcare personnel and state officials.

Officials have examined medical records and birth-registration documents, collected DNA samples and used the DOPA N.I.C.E. system to analyse links and abnormalities in registration data.

Where investigators establish that a civil-registration entry was obtained fraudulently, the relevant registrar is instructed to correct or revoke the registration and any improperly acquired status, while legal proceedings are pursued against those involved.

Nationwide figure not yet confirmed

DOPA said the suggestion that the number of cases could reach 10,000 nationwide should not be treated as an official finding.

Registration offices throughout the country have been instructed to review historical records and separate potentially suspicious entries for further checks.

The department said the process required careful examination before an accurate nationwide figure could be established.

The distinction means the 1,000–1,500 Bangkok cases are themselves still under investigation, while the 10,000 nationwide figure remains an unverified estimate rather than a confirmed total.

DNA testing used after initial screening

DOPA said DNA testing was an important tool for establishing biological relationships between fathers, mothers and children, but would not automatically be required in every case from the outset.

Officials will first screen civil-registration information, birth documents, medical records, witness evidence and other relevant data.

DNA testing can then be ordered when necessary to resolve individual cases.

The department said it was continuing to coordinate with the Royal Thai Police, forensic agencies and other relevant authorities over procedures and funding for DNA examinations so the wider investigation could continue effectively.

DOPA also asked the public to report information about suspected registration fraud, saying tips would be investigated and cases pursued under the law.