A medical professional trains expectant mothers in Khon Kaen province, Thailand in 2019. Photo: BANGKOK POST
On March 1, Arkhom Praditsuwan, deputy director of the Thai Health Service Support Agency, told Reuters: "We will amend the law to allow foreign couples to use surrogacy services here based on regulations."
Couples must be legally married, regardless of gender. Children born through surrogacy must receive protections and benefits from the country of the couple using the service.
Mr Arkhom also said foreigners are allowed to bring along a surrogate mother of their choice, or have a Thai person carry the pregnancy. Surrogates must be assessed by a government committee.
The revised law will be submitted to the cabinet later this month. If approved by the cabinet, the law will then be submitted to the Thai National Assembly and Senate.
This is part of a reform of regulations on surrogacy, in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination, aimed at allowing Thais, including same-sex couples, greater access to these services.
At the same time, this is also a measure to promote medical tourism, Mr. Arkhom said.
Since 2015, commercial surrogacy has been illegal in Thailand. Surrogacy is only available to infertile Thai couples, or Thais married to foreigners for at least three years. The process is overseen by a government committee.
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