DNA Paternity Testing

Thinking of doing DNA Paternity Testing in Thailand? Most government institutions in Thailand have recognised DNA paternity tests to establish the biological father to be stated in the birth certificate of a child. However, there is no known private laboratory in Thailand who could declare that all their DNA tests are always recognised by the Thai government. Also note the article on Child legitimisation in Thailand for more information. Some do check this before they register their marriage.

DNA Paternity Testing for Thai government

At times these institutions state that their notarised tests are accepted by the Thai government, but in reality it is somehow only recognised by one or two government departments and still rejected by most. It is always best to check which to go and be sure to whom this test be requested from to avoid delays.

Under Thai law, paternity can only be established through marriage to the mother before giving birth to the child, or by court order. There are some special circumstances wherein paternity can be obtained through an administration legal process – in this case, a man could be the biological father of the child, but has not met the legal requirements. Regardless of the established relationship with the child, the biological father of the child will still be deprived the legal rights of a lawful father. You should take proper legal advice with regards to DNA Paternity Testing while in Asia.

In terms of DNA testing for paternity, the laboratory that will perform the DNA test usually requires the subject to state which district office or Amphur he will be submitting the DNA results with. The private laboratory will then have to talk with certain government officials from that district office who will do the processing of your DNA test submission. There are circumstances where a family walks into the district office and the official at the Thai government requires the family to undergo the DNA tests at a Thai government police laboratory in Bangkok, and will not recognise any private laboratory or hospital to do the tests. It is a case by case basis. These are the DNA Paternity Testing procedures in Thailand.

Some government offices in Bangkok are strict with their process and require most cases to proceed to the police hospital in Bangkok, and the same scenario applies to areas like Chonburi and Pattaya. This is because of some fraud happening in these areas from before due to the nature of the town where there are lots of movement. Child legitimisation in Thailand is not uncommon.

Expats who have done the tests in police hospitals have various concerns regarding higher prices, and long processing time to get the reports back. That is why it is highly recommended that you consult the government officials from your province before starting out the process, to be able to identify and know your possible options. Always check with an attorney about DNA Paternity Testing in Thailand. If in doubt during a divorce in Thailand this becomes an option as well.