National—
On February 24th, 2024, the Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) captured a suspect who allegedly smuggled frozen sperm in nitrogen tanks to clinics in Cambodia and Lao PDR according to an arrest warrant from the criminal court.
The suspect, publicly identified as Mr. Theerapong Chaiyasuk, 33, was arrested at a residence in Mueang, Nonthaburi. According to the police report, in 2017, Nong Khai Customs officers intercepted a frozen sperm smuggling operation, using nitrogen tanks to Lao PDR.
Upon police investigation, it was found that Chinese investors were supporting the smuggling operation to the Lao PDR and Cambodia. The frozen sperm would be used in surrogacy as a newborn baby would be granted rights to receive nationality from surrogate mothers.
Moreover, Chinese investors would take advantage of this for money laundering, according to the police.
Theerapong, the suspect, was allegedly involved in the smuggling operation as a leader. The CIB was able to track down the suspect’s residence after 7 years.
According to the police report, the suspect reportedly confessed his wrongdoings as a leader of a frozen sperm smuggling operation. He stated that he started the wrongdoings from 2014 to 2017. It was reported that the suspect would receive 10,000 to 15,000 baht per 100-tubes of smuggling.
The suspect further added that in Thailand, it was complicated to request permission for surrogacy, and the cost was highly expensive. In contrast, surrogacy in Lao PDR and Cambodia cost less and was legal.
Initially, Theerapong was escorted to inquiry officers from the CIB for further legal processing.
