Sweden Halts Adoptions from Thailand Amid Legal Concerns

Sweden's Myndigheten för familjerätt och föräldraskapsstöd has decided to stop all adoptions from Thailand, highlighting serious concerns over the country's compliance with international child protection conventions, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Hague Convention. This decision comes after investigations revealed potential legal issues with the adoption processes in Thailand, as stated by Director General Per Bergling in a formal decree on September 2, 2025.

The announcement has sparked significant backlash from adoption agencies, notably Adoptionscentrum. Director Anna Taxell labeled the decision confusing and unfair, especially considering that seven children were successfully adopted from Thailand in 2024 via authorized agencies. She emphasized that the new ruling fails to consider ongoing cases where children are already matched with prospective Swedish parents, intensifying fears regarding the stability and future of these children.

Currently, there are ten children from Thailand undergoing a trial period in Sweden, creating anxiety among the families involved about the possibility of these children being sent back. Tommy Marksén, who oversees international adoptions at the agency, reassured that adoptions already in progress should likely proceed, though no official communication has come in from Thailand regarding the implications of the halt.

The conversation around international adoptions has gained traction in Sweden, especially following media reports and a recent proposal from the Adoptionskommission that suggests a complete ban on such adoptions due to ethical concerns. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who has a history with Adoptionscentrum, acknowledged the dilemma, stating that while family placements are preferable to orphanages, there must be a robust process to ensure children’s best interests are prioritized.