– Chonburi immigration authorities announced DNA findings on October 21st in an investigation into suspected irregularities involving an alleged Thai girl’s family relationship records and nationality status.
– Tests reportedly identified Chinese national Jianlu Li as the girl’s biological father, while finding no biological father-daughter relationship with the Thai man recorded on paper as her father. The Mother was recorded as a Chinese national.
– Authorities are examining birth registration documents, parentage records and the legal process through which the child obtained Thai nationality.
– Officials have stressed that the DNA results alone do not establish whether any crime was committed.
Chonburi, Thailand – Immigration authorities in Chonburi and Immigration Division 3 have announced DNA test results in an investigation into suspected irregularities involving the family relationship records and Thai nationality status of a two-year-old girl, appearing to show that the true father and mother of the girl are Chinese, with one suspect linked to an alleged 1.5 Billion Baht gambling network case, and not a Thai father as recorded on the birth paperwork.
The findings were presented at a press conference at Pattaya City Hall on October 21st, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Officials attending included Banglamung District Chief Anusak Piriyamorn, Provincial Police Region 2 Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Wasan Techakaraksem, Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Nopsilp Poolsawat, Pattaya Deputy Mayor Damrongkiat Pinijkarn and Chonburi Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatree Suksiri.
According to information presented by authorities, Chonburi Immigration detained Chinese national Jianlu Li, 37, on September 15th, 2026 as we covered here previously. Officials said Li was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice issued on June 20th, 2024, and updated on April 10th, 2025, in connection with allegations involving the organization or operation of gambling activities. The reported financial damage was approximately 1.5 billion baht, and Chinese authorities were seeking him.
The investigation also examined the biological relationships within the family. DNA testing reportedly found that Li was the biological father of Kesara, an alleged Thai national. A separate test found no biological father-daughter relationship between the child and Thai national Mr. Thana who was identified in the information presented as her recorded father.
Authorities are now examining the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth registration, documentation acknowledging parentage and the procedures used to establish her legal identity and Thai nationality.
Officials also reported finding Wang Yourui, a 33-year-old Chinese national identified as the girl’s mother, at the residence examined during the investigation.
The child’s Thai nationality and the presence of foreign nationals in her family are not, by themselves, evidence of wrongdoing. Investigators must establish whether the relevant records and procedures complied with Thai law before drawing conclusions about any possible offences.
Information presented at the briefing also included the immigration histories of Li and Wang. Li reportedly first entered Thailand on March 23, 2021, using a visa category described in the documents as TR-15 (VOA). Records cited by officials referred to subsequent business-related visa arrangements in 2024 and 2025, followed by his most recent reported entry on June 26, 2026, under a category recorded as ผ.60–ม.17.
Wang reportedly first entered Thailand on August 9, 2016, using the same TR-15 (VOA) designation. Her records included business-related visa arrangements between 2022 and 2025, followed by a visa described as being for the support of a Thai-national child on April 3, 2026. Her most recent reported entry was on June 26, 2026, using a Non-O visa for the same purpose.
The information presented also stated that the two Chinese nationals had travelled into and out of Thailand together nine times, while Wang’s individual travel history listed 23 entries and exits. Officials noted that the detailed figures and dates should be checked against the full Immigration Bureau database to ensure consistency.
Investigators are continuing to examine whether the birth registration and parentage documents were accurate, how the child’s legal nationality status was established, and whether any foreign national’s immigration application relied on information that did not reflect the verified circumstances.
If evidence of false documentation or other violations emerges, authorities may consider further action under the relevant laws.
Officials explained that DNA testing establishes evidence about biological relationships but does not automatically determine whether an offence involving nationality, birth registration or other official records has occurred. Those questions require a broader examination of documentary evidence, legal status and the procedures followed by the agencies involved.
The investigation remains focused on establishing the facts surrounding the child’s registration and nationality status before any conclusions are reached.