Thai surrogacy revolution: Foreign couples welcome

In a significant development, Thai authorities are on the brink of ushering in a groundbreaking change in surrogacy laws, as disclosed by the Department of Health Service Support. Arkhom Praditsuwan, the department’s deputy director-general, clarified that the existing legislation, known as the Protection for Children Born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies Act, presently confines surrogacy services exclusively to Thai nationals.

However, a proposed amendment seeks to broaden the scope of surrogacy services, extending the opportunity to foreign couples as well. Under the envisioned changes, prospective parents would have the flexibility to engage either surrogate mothers from abroad or select Thai women for this crucial role.

As the department’s committee diligently crafts the requisite regulations, Arkhom underscored that if the bill garners approval, it would mark a historic milestone globally.

Welcoming Foreign Couples to Thailand

“Foreigners are closely monitoring this development. Upon liberalization, the healthcare sector is expected to witness significant activity.”

Furthermore, the proposed bill is poised to incorporate robust measures aimed at combatting human trafficking.

For years, illicit surrogacy arrangements orchestrated by foreigners have posed a formidable challenge for Thai authorities. Ongoing investigations into the smuggling of frozen semen, eggs, and embryos across borders attest to the gravity of this issue.

Enacted in 2015, the prevailing Act imposed stringent regulations on surrogacy, effectively prohibiting its utilization by foreign couples in the aftermath of several high-profile scandals. Dr. Sura Wisedsak, director-general of the department, underscores that the legislation has since provided vital assistance to numerous couples grappling with fertility challenges.

Fertility treatment has now become more accessible with 115 facilities nationwide, comprising 67 clinics, 31 private hospitals, and 17 public hospitals. Nonetheless, the past year witnessed a decline in newborn numbers, dipping below 500,000, with a further decrease anticipated this year, as reported by the Bangkok Post.

With approximately 800,000 deaths occurring annually, Thailand’s population is on a downward trajectory. The demographic landscape is increasingly dominated by citizens aged over 60, who now constitute 20% of the total population, a figure projected to surge to one-third by 2030.

Dr. Sura accentuates the growing success rate of fertility treatments in the country, attributing it to the adoption of internationally recognized technology. This year, the department endeavors to advocate for amendments to the Act, including provisions to allow women’s biological relatives aged 20 to 40 to donate eggs and permitting women over 55 to arrange surrogacy for their offspring.