A mayor in Nakhon Ratchasima has filed a police complaint against a civil registration officer accused of fraudulently registering 27 births involving foreign nationals, commonly referred to as “grey Chinese”. The official allegedly received payments of 10,000 to 30,000 baht per case. Authorities say the suspect has confessed but refused to implicate others.
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On 24 April 2026, Kittipong Pongsurawet, mayor of Pho Klang Municipality in Mueang district, reported the case to investigators at Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station. The complaint alleges misconduct by a civil registration officer who unlawfully processed birth registrations for foreign nationals between 2023 and 2026.
Officials from the Bureau of Registration Administration, Department of Provincial Administration, and police from the Central Investigation Bureau visited the municipal office as part of a joint inquiry. They identified irregularities in the registration records, prompting a deeper investigation into possible corruption.
Authorities found that a female civil servant at the Pho Klang municipal office registered 27 births involving foreign mothers from China, Myanmar, or Burma, with Thai fathers listed in each case. All births were claimed to have taken place at Fort Suranari Hospital in Nong Phai Lom subdistrict.
During questioning, the official admitted to carrying out the registrations but declined to name accomplices. She reportedly used a colleague’s identification card to access the system and complete transactions via Dip Chip identity verification. Investigators say she received payments ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 baht per registration.
Police believe the activity is part of a broader network and are expanding the investigation to identify other individuals involved. Authorities have also noted similar irregularities in other local administrative organisations where birth registrations list foreign mothers.
The case has raised concerns about weaknesses in civil registration controls and the potential misuse of Thai nationality laws. Officials are reviewing procedures to prevent further abuse and ensure stricter verification processes.
Khaosod reported that Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and pursue additional suspects linked to the alleged network. Further legal action is expected as authorities widen the scope of the probe.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 25 Apr 2026
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