Police Arrest Gang Forging Thai Birth Certs

Thai authorities have arrested six suspects in a crackdown on a network accused of falsifying birth registrations to grant Thai nationality to children linked to Chinese organised crime. The operation, conducted on April 29, 2026, involved two Chinese nationals, three Thai men hired to falsely acknowledge paternity, and one district office official. Investigators say the scheme enabled individuals tied to a major scam case involving more than 70 billion baht in laundering activities to secure legal status in Thailand.

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The arrests stem from an earlier investigation by the Anti-Online Scam Centre (ACSC) under the Royal Thai Police, which led to the capture of Chen Yinlai, a Chinese national accused of operating a large-scale scam network and laundering over 70 billion baht in April 2024. Police later traced funds through multiple mule accounts to a Chinese woman believed to be his wife, whose three children hold Thai nationality. This raised suspicions that the children obtained citizenship unlawfully, prompting coordination with the Department of Provincial Administration.

Investigators uncovered a complex scheme in which Thai men were paid to legally marry Chinese women and falsely register themselves as fathers of their children. This allowed the children to claim Thai nationality by descent. Authorities also found evidence of assistance from corrupt officials and private actors who facilitated fraudulent registrations, undermining nationality laws and creating false legal identities.

Officials warn that individuals granted Thai citizenship through such methods gain full legal rights, including property ownership, business operations, access to public services and freedom of movement. These privileges, they say, could be exploited for money laundering, nominee arrangements, and expanding transnational criminal networks, posing risks to economic stability and national security.

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

The operation, named “Reverse Dragon Scale,” was led by Department of Provincial Administration chief Naruetcha Khotsasivilai, with coordination from senior officials including Deputy Director-General Witoon Sirinukul and police and anti-corruption agencies. Authorities identified at least five similar cases linked to the network and are continuing to expand the investigation.

Matichon reported that further arrests are expected as officials pursue additional suspects and examine the broader scope of the operation. Authorities have pledged continued collaboration across agencies to dismantle networks exploiting Thailand’s civil registration system.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 1 May 2026