Governor Chatchat revealed that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Department of Provincial Administration are expediting investigations into improper Thai nationality registrations. There is clear evidence in 24 cases, with plans to revoke nationality and prosecute involved parties. Eight district offices have been identified for additional scrutiny.
23 Jul 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Chatchat Sitthiphan, Governor of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, disclosed details regarding the investigation and corrective measures addressing improper Thai nationality registrations. The BMA, together with the Department of Provincial Administration and the Royal Thai Police, is examining cases involving birth registrations where the father is Thai and the mother is a foreign national, particularly focusing on the so-called "fake father" cases, which have revealed irregularities in birth notifications and issuance of birth certificates.
Regarding progress, the Department of Provincial Administration confirmed 24 cases with clear evidence that can proceed under the law. Meanwhile, the BMA has fully cooperated and taken disciplinary action against one involved official, resulting in dismissal. Since the investigation began, the BMA appointed a fact-finding committee and is currently coordinating with the Department of Provincial Administration to examine all potential cases, revoke improperly issued nationality and birth certificates, investigate officials suspected of corruption, and prosecute those involved. Children who received Thai nationality improperly will have their nationality revoked and revert to their parents' true nationality.
Regarding expanded investigations, Governor Chatchat stated the total number of involved individuals cannot yet be concluded due to differing case characteristics. Detailed examinations are required, especially in cases where the Thai father has children with multiple foreign mothers. These cases represent a high-risk group warranting special scrutiny. Additionally, the BMA has ordered all 50 district offices to thoroughly review birth registrations, particularly those linked to private hospitals. Preliminary checks identified eight district offices requiring further investigation, beyond the previously reported Thonburi district.
The BMA will also review operational procedures across district offices, as approaches vary. Some districts rely on a single officer liaising with hospitals, increasing corruption risk, while others use ticketing and random assignment to reduce collusion. The review will consider both workflow and registration data. Regarding private hospitals, the BMA will focus on public official conduct; investigations into whether foreign nationals are being solicited to give birth for nationality benefits fall under the Department of Provincial Administration and related agencies.
"This operation does not target any nationality specifically but examines all foreign nationals equally. Legal action will be taken fairly if violations are found,"
he added. Initial findings suggest some officials may not have intended fraud but trusted data provided by medical personnel without detailed verification. However, if officials are found complicit in corruption, strict disciplinary and legal measures will follow due to the threat to national security.
The BMA has implemented new measures to tighten birth registration controls, including thorough verification of the Thai father's information, such as the number of children and each child's mother. Verification levels are increased by requiring senior registration officers or specialists to co-verify and sign off on every case involving a foreign mother, effective immediately ahead of formal guidelines from the Department of Provincial Administration.
Regarding revocations for the 24 confirmed cases, district offices will revoke improperly issued birth certificates, issue corrected ones reflecting facts, and revoke the improperly obtained Thai nationality. For cases still under investigation, temporary suspension of registration record changes will prevent data alteration during inquiry. If involved parties fail to provide facts when summoned, revocation procedures will proceed, with opportunities for legal appeals.
Furthermore, the BMA and Department of Provincial Administration agree to establish a joint task force to ensure seamless investigation and data sharing, enhancing efficiency in document revocation, prosecutions, and official oversight. Present at the press conference were Mr. Rattawit Jitsujitwong, legal specialist from the Department of Provincial Administration's Investigation and Legal Affairs Bureau; Police Major General Theerachai Chamnanmo, Deputy Commander of the Police Forensic Office, Royal Thai Police; Mr. Thanit Tanbuaklee, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Bangkok; and Police General Adis Ngamjitsuksri, advisor to the Bangkok Governor, who provided information and statements.