Probe into fake birth certificate racket in Korat nears completion

NAKHON RATCHASIMA - Police have questioned four to five witnesses in connection with a fake birth certificate scandal in this northeastern province, with the probe report expected to be forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) early next month.

The case came to light after Kittipong Pongsurawet, mayor of tambon Pho Klang municipality filed a complaint with Nakhon Ratchasima’s Muang police against registration officials at the municipal office after uncovering alleged corruption in civil registration.

The mayor alleged corruption in the civil registration system, including the forging of birth registration documents for foreign nationals operating as an organised network, with bribes reportedly demanded at 10,000-30,000 baht per case. 

Provincial police chief Pol Maj Gen Narongsak Phromtha said on Wednesday that investigators were accelerating the probe. Investigation teams have conducted in-depth field inquiries and gathered additional documentary evidence from those involved to support the case.

Preliminary findings indicated that 27 people were linked to the scheme. Investigators have already questioned about four to five witnesses, whose testimonies have been deemed useful to the investigation, said Pol Maj Gen Narongsak.

The officers are also summoning additional witnesses and collecting key evidence to ensure the case is handled thoroughly and comprehensively.

The provincial police chief said reports suggesting similar offences may have occurred in other municipalities remain unconfirmed, but he urged any agency that discovers irregularities to immediately provide information to police for further investigation and legal action.

He said the case could proceed under standard legal procedures, though heightened public interest required authorities to act with particular caution and transparency.

He urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity, whether related to criminal offences or foreign nationals displaying questionable behaviour, to local police stations or via the 191 emergency hotline around the clock.

Pol Maj Gen Narongsak said the investigators expected the evidence-gathering process and preparation of the case file to be completed and submitted to the NACC for consideration by early next month, for further legal proceedings

Earlier, the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), working with police, found irregularities in at least 27 registrations, most involving Chinese nationals. Some cases also involved mothers from Myanmar.

Investigators said the documents listed the father as Thai and the mother as Chinese or Myanmar nationals, with all births recorded as having taken place at a military hospital in the province.

Authorities suspect forged medical documents were used to support the registrations.

Nakhon Ratchasiman police station (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert)