Back before 2014, surrogacy in Thailand was legal, surrogacy in Thailand is much cheaper and gestational surrogacy in Thailand is the most popular surrogacy country due to its excellent medical facilities and low-cost surrogacy process when compared to countries such as the UK and the USA. To top it all, Thailand also has beautiful egg donors and a large number of healthy surrogate mothers. Modern and welcoming infrastructure and liberal visa policies make Thailand a popular medical tourism destination.

Just 14 years ago Thailand banned commercial surrogacy, forced out by the then Thai military.

 In this article, the webmaster will take the following aspects to introduce the relevant legal policies and knowledge of surrogacy in Thailand in detail:

• Surrogacy Laws in Thailand
• Latest News on Thai Surrogacy
• How much does surrogate motherhood cost in Thailand?
• Which country is best for surrogacy?
• Is international surrogacy legal?

Overview of Surrogacy Laws in Thailand

Surrogacy has always been a complex legal issue in Thailand. As of my last update, Thailand implemented the Protection for Children Born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies Act in 2015. Under this law, surrogacy is severely restricted in Thailand, with the following key provisions:

Commercial surrogacy in Thailand is illegal

Thailand prohibits all forms ofCommercial surrogacyThis means that any surrogacy arrangement involving monetary transactions is illegal.

Thai surrogate mothers must be blood relatives

The law requires that the surrogate mother be a member of the client's immediate family, which usually means that the surrogate mother must be a full sister or full cousin of the child's intended parents. And she must be married and have at least one child of her own, and can only participate in the surrogacy process if her husband allows it.

Thailand bans surrogacy services for foreigners

Surrogacy services for foreigners are prohibited by law in Thailand. This means that unless the client is a Thai heterosexual couple, they cannot perform surrogacy in Thailand.

Legality of surrogacy agreements

Surrogacy agreements in Thailand must comply with all legal requirements and need to operate within a legal legal framework. Surrogacy agreements usually need to be validated and approved through a legal process.

Legal status of surrogate children

The law also defines the legal status of the surrogate child, ensuring that the child's legal parents after birth are its commissioning parents and not the surrogate mother.

Simply put, only married heterosexual Thai couples can get a baby through surrogacy. At least one of the spouses must be of Thai nationality and have been married for at least three years.Thailand prohibits single people or homosexuals from participating in the surrogacy process.

In addition to the restrictions on surrogacy, the law prohibits the sale of sperm, eggs and embryos.

As a result, not only is it illegal for international couples to surrogate in Thailand (because they do not meet the Thai citizenship requirements), but the Thai surrogacy law also makes it extraordinarily difficult for Thai nationals to have children through surrogacy.

Update on Surrogacy Laws in Thailand

In early March 2024, Sura Visetsak, head of the Health Services Support Unit at the Ministry of Public Health, announced a plan to draft a bill that wouldAims to allow commercial surrogacy for domestic and international couples, as one of a series of reforms aimed at increasing the country's birth rate.

The department plans to submit the bill to the Thai cabinet for consideration this month, Reuters reported. Once approved by the cabinet, the bill will also have to be submitted to the National Assembly for a vote.

If the bill is ultimately approved, it would remove the current law banning commercial surrogacy that has been in place since 2015 as a result of controversial cases involved.

The webmaster analyzes several reasons why Thailand is ready to open up global surrogacy:

Decline in the birth rate:The declining birth rate that Thailand is facing is a direct result of the Government's consideration of changes in surrogacy legislation. Like many other countries, the declining birth rate could affect the country's long-term economic development and social fabric, and policy interventions are needed to try to reverse the trend.

International Legal and Social Trends:As global acceptance of reproductive technologies increases, assisted reproductive technologies, including surrogacy, are gradually being embraced by more legal frameworks. Thailand may wish to adjust its laws to keep pace with the international community while attracting international medical tourism.

Possible outcomes:

The proposal, if accepted by the Cabinet and voted on by the National Assembly, would officially end the ban on commercial surrogacy that has been in place since 2015 due to controversial cases. This would legalize commercial surrogacy in Thailand.

The introduction and adoption of draft legislation is a complex process that requires deliberation at several levels and the collection of public opinions before it finally becomes law.

This decision will have a huge impact on the entire Thai economy, and population:

Social and ethical implications: The legalization of commercial surrogacy may trigger a wide-ranging social and ethical debate. This involves ethical questions about the origin of life, the protection of the rights of surrogate mothers, and the commercialization of reproductive technologies.

economic impact: This change could have a positive impact on medical tourism in Thailand. By attracting foreign couples to come to Thailand for surrogacy, there could be significant economic gains.

Population policy adjustments: The legalization of commercial surrogacy may be part of a broader reorientation of the Government's population policy aimed at increasing the birth rate in order to address issues such as population ageing.

Overall, the proposal reflects the Thai Government's response to current social issues and demonstrates a willingness to adapt to global trends and domestic needs. If the bill is passed, it could lead to a series of ripple effects affecting all social, economic and cultural dimensions.

Surrogacy Costs in Thailand

What is the cost of surrogacy in Thailand for those who are planning to have a surrogate in the country?

If you are considering going to Thailand for surrogacy, the total cost will be around $60,000 (actuals may vary), taking into account the clinic fees, the cost of the Thai surrogate mother, and other expenses throughout the pregnancy and birth of the child. Although this price includes a number of services, it is not that expensive.

There is a significant difference in the cost of surrogacy between Thailand and the United States, theCost of Surrogacy in the United StatesOn the other hand, it could be upwards of $150,000 or even more. Therefore, in terms of sheer cost, Thai surrogacy is more cost-effective as it is relatively cheaper. However, there are more factors to consider than just cost, including the legal environment, medical conditions, and cultural differences. You may also need to consider these factors when choosing a surrogacy location and weigh the various factors to determine which option is better suited to your needs.

This can make surrogacy in Thailand a little difficult. Because we want to make all prospective parents feel as comfortable as possible through a smooth process, World Baby Center will make sure to provide the support and all the help you need, regardless of gender and relationship status.

Which country is best for surrogacy?

As you can see from the above, surrogacy in Thailand may be a bit difficult at the moment, and families with surrogacy needs are advised to consider going to other more surrogacy friendly countries such as:United States, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Georgia, Mexico, etc.These countries have clear surrogacy laws and regulations that allow for legal surrogacy.

These countries offer a variety of legal frameworks, expertise and support systems for prospective parents. ChoicesBest surrogacy countryFactors such as legal protection, cost, accessibility, medical expertise and cultural compatibility need to be considered.

Choosing the most suitable surrogacy country involves a number of factors, including the legal environment, price, medical conditions and cultural differences. Below is a comparison of surrogacy countries:

Legal environment: Some countries have clear legal provisions on surrogacy, allowing or prohibiting it. Countries such as the United States, Ukraine and Kazakhstan have relatively robust legal frameworks that allow surrogacy and have clear legal procedures and protections. In contrast, some countries, such as Germany, France and China, prohibit surrogacy or have reservations about its legal status.

Surrogacy Prices: The price of surrogacy varies from country to country. In general.Georgia, Ukraine and KazakhstanSurrogacy prices are relatively low in countries such as the United States, where the average surrogacy cost is about $60,000 to $80,000, and higher in the United States. When considering the price, it is important to note whether medical expenses, payment for the surrogate mother, and other costs are included.

medical condition: When choosing a surrogacy country, you need to consider the medical conditions and level of technology in that country. Some countries have advanced medical facilities and specialized medical teams that are able to provide high quality medical care, while other countries may have less advanced medical conditions.

It is worth noting that surrogacy laws and regulations may change over time, so it is crucial to consult with a legal expert or agency that specializes in surrogacy for the most up-to-date information and guidance in your target country.