NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand – A local registrar is accused of issuing fake birth certificates to foreigners for bribes, with at least 27 cases under investigation.
Official Aided Baby Certificate Fraud
A registrar in Pho Klang district is under serious suspicion. He allegedly issued forged birth certificates in exchange for bribes ranging from 260 to 780 euros per case.
Most victims were Chinese nationals, with some women from Myanmar. All documents listed a military hospital in the province as the birthplace.
27 Cases Already Discovered!
The administrative authority, together with police, uncovered irregularities in at least 27 registrations. In all cases, the father was listed as Thai and the mother as Chinese or Myanmar.
Investigators suspect medical records were also forged. Foreigners thereby illegally obtained the status of a child born in Thailand.
Mayor Raised Alarm
Kitipong Pongsurawet, mayor of Pho Klang, filed a complaint against the official. His municipality is the only one that has officially pressed charges so far.
The accused registrar has been temporarily suspended from duty. The prosecutor is now examining connections to other districts.
Now Anti-Corruption Agency Investigates
Provincial police chief General Narongsak Phromtha ordered a thorough review of all evidence. The case is being forwarded to the state anti-corruption agency.
Suspicion does not only target the individual but a whole network. Other officials may have been involved in the fraud.
Severe Penalties Loom
The Interior Ministry has made fighting corruption in registry offices a priority. Anyone who uses forged documents to obtain Thai citizenship or residence rights faces severe penalties.
Investigations are in full swing. New cases could emerge at any time.