Police Deputy Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Samran Nuangma held a meeting with relevant agencies to expand the investigation into the 'Fake Thai Fathers (Tipe)' network that provides fraudulent birth registrations to foreigners. Thirty-three suspects have been arrested out of 35 warrants, while investigations continue into 13 additional children suspected of being 'Tipe children'.
At 13:30 on 13 July 2026, at the Investigation Division of Metropolitan Police Bureau 8, Pol. Gen. Samran Nuangma, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, along with Pol. Lt. Gen. Nopasil Poolsawat, Chief of Staff to the National Police Commissioner, Pol. Maj. Gen. Teerachai Chamnanmo, Deputy Commander of the Police Forensic Science Office, and other related agencies convened a joint meeting of the anti-corruption registration network to follow up on the 'Scaling the Dragon's Scales' operation concerning the illegal birth registration scheme.
The meeting included representatives from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) N.I.C.E., the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Police Biology and DNA Unit, the Foreign Affairs Police, Immigration Police, and representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) to integrate data and expand investigative efforts.
So far, 19 foreign children linked to the case have been identified. Additional foreign children under investigation have been connected to two main suspects: Ms. Sunee, a medical records officer at a private hospital, and Ms. Siriporn, a registration officer at a district office. Following the arrests, authorities discovered some suspects took foreign children to other hospitals to give birth, prompting further examination of birth documents and the network's operations. Notably, two foreign women with children approached authorities after learning of the case from the media, admitting to using the 'Fake Thai Fathers (Tipe)' services for documentation and providing information to assist investigations.
After a meeting lasting over two hours, Pol. Gen. Samran stated police are intensifying efforts to investigate networks involved in issuing documents to Chinese children, particularly scrutinizing brokers and those involved in registering births and obtaining official documents. He affirmed that police will thoroughly pursue all individuals behind the scheme.
The Deputy Commissioner-General emphasized that the priority is protecting the rights and welfare of the children involved, who have already obtained Thai nationality and legal status. Investigations are conducted carefully to respect both the children’s and suspects' rights. Coordination with agencies such as the PACC, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and civil registry offices is ongoing to examine connections among hospitals, district offices, and involved officials.
Regarding reports that multiple hospitals may be involved, Pol. Gen. Samran said investigators are still gathering evidence and cannot disclose details to avoid affecting innocent parties. However, he assured that any individuals or institutions found linked will face legal action.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Samran added that many people have contacted authorities to verify nationality status, with two individuals expressing intent to renounce nationality, though it remains unclear if all are Chinese nationals.
Concerning reports that the scheme has operated for a long time involving many children, the Deputy Commissioner-General acknowledged this is a key issue. Police are reviewing how many children have received documents and whether they have accessed benefits such as education, healthcare, or other rights in Thailand. The current expansion aims to close system loopholes and prevent similar future abuses.
Regarding claims of individuals falsely claiming to be parents, initial findings show some Thai men have criminal records, while no records were found for Chinese mothers; therefore, no charges have been filed yet in this regard. All suspects continue to deny wrongdoing, and no one has provided useful testimony. Investigations will continue across all involved nationalities, not only Chinese.
Authorities have arrested 33 suspects out of 35 warrants in this case, with two suspects having fled abroad and currently sought for prosecution. Investigations continue into 13 additional children suspected to be 'Tipe children,' with DNA samples planned to confirm biological relationships. Foreign nationals claiming parental status are being thoroughly questioned and investigated individually.
Regarding upgrading the case to an international crime, the Royal Thai Police are consulting with DOPA N.I.C.E. and the relevant prosecutors to decide whether to elevate the case further.