Korat revokes 50 fake birth registrations

At least 18 more suspicious cases identified in another subdistrict of northeastern province

PUBLISHED : 5 May 2026 at 15:53

WRITER: Prasit Tangprasert

- Small

- Medium

- Large

- 4

The registration status of 50 people in Nakhon Ratchasima has been revoked in a crackdown on a fake birth certificate scandal involving Thai civil servants and Chinese nationals, the Department of Provincial Administration said on Tuesday.

The individuals affected can file an appeal within 15 days. Failure to act within the deadline will result in loss of legal status, preventing misuse of Thai identity in transactions, said Kittipong Pongsurawet, the mayor of Pho Klang municipality in Muang district.

Mr Kittipong was the first public official to sound the alarm about suspicious birth registrations, which has led to a number of investigations in the northeastern province and beyond.

A review of records over the past five to six years identified 51 suspect cases in tambon Pho Klang, Mr Kittipong said. One case is still being verified in cooperation with Fort Suranari Hospital to confirm identity, while others have already been revoked.

The army said earlier that it had cross-checked a birth registration list received from the province against the hospital database, and that no birth records of the children in question were found.

Mr Kittipong said the investigation has been comprehensive and no further irregularities have been found. If those whose registration has been revoked can prove their identity and residence, their rights may be reinstated, he said.

In the nearby tambon Nong Phai Lom, officials have found 18 similar cases, said Witoon Sirinukul, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration. Officials there are consulting their peers in Pho Klang on procedures, including issuing orders and verifying data with medical facilities.

On Saturday, three civil servants in Nakhon Ratchasima were arrested for allegedly issuing fake certificates and transferring household registrations for at least 10 Chinese children.

Officials have said that securing Thai nationality for children opens up avenues for foreigners to solidify their long-term standing in the country, and in some cases to transfer assets.

Similar cases have been discovered in Bangkok , where six suspects were detained, including one Thon Buri district official.

Subscribe to our newsletters for daily updates, breaking news and exclusive content.

- KEYWORDS

- Korat

- Fake birth certificates

- Thailand civil registration

- Provincial administration department

- Pho klang municipality

- Household registration fraud

- Thailand legal status