Thailand's Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) says it is investigating between 1,000 and 1,500 high-risk paternity-registration records linked to eight private hospitals in Bangkok. It stressed that none of these cases has yet been confirmed as fraudulent. The department has also rejected a widely circulated claim that as many as 10,000 people nationwide may have obtained Thai nationality through false paternity declarations, saying the figure has not been verified by an official investigation. The 10,000 estimate was raised in 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. Bangkok records remain under investigation DOPA said the Bangkok records had been identified through risk indicators and required further scrutiny, rather than representing confirmed cases of people falsely acquiring Thai nationality. Investigators must assess every case separately, using documents, witness accounts, medical records and civil-registration information. Scientific testing, including DNA testing, may be used where appropriate. The department said it was treating the matter seriously because it concerns the reliability of Thailand's civil-registration database, personal status, nationality and national security. DOPA has been working with the Royal Thai Police, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Department of Health Service Support and other agencies. Earlier investigations have led to legal action where evidence was established against people allegedly involved, including men accused of posing as fathers, foreign nationals, healthcare workers and state officials. Officials have reviewed birth-registration and medical records, collected DNA samples and used DOPA's N.I.C.E. system to identify links and irregularities in registration data. National review and possible DNA tests Registration offices nationwide have been instructed to review historical records and isolate potentially suspicious entries for further examination. DOPA said a reliable national total could be established only after that process is completed. DNA tests will not necessarily be ordered at the first stage of every case. Officials will initially review civil-registration details, birth and medical documents, witnesses and other available evidence before deciding whether testing is needed. DOPA said it was coordinating with police, forensic agencies and other bodies on procedures and funding for DNA examinations so the broader inquiry can continue. If investigators conclude that an entry in the civil register was obtained fraudulently, the relevant registrar will be instructed to correct or revoke the record and any improperly acquired status. Legal proceedings may then follow against those involved. The department has asked the public to report suspected registration fraud, saying all tips will be examined and cases pursued under the law. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? 17 August 2026
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