Public gets access to DNA tests

The Central Institute of Forensic Science will launch DNA and document authenticity testing services for the public.

Somn Promaros, director-general of the Central Institute of Forensic Science under the Justice Ministry said yesterday the testing services will be offered to people at reasonable prices.

The institute usually provides DNA and document authenticity testing services for state officials including police officers, prosecutors and judges.

But the services are now available to the public. Between June 1 and 30, the services will be provided free of charge, prioritising people who need legal aid and those with low incomes, he said.

He said the services include document testing, substance-abuse testing and DNA relationship testing.

Low-income earners who wish to use one of the services need to provide a registration document issued by the Ministry of Interior and an application from relevant authorities.

While it will continue to be free of charge for low-income people, from July 1 there will be charges for others. However, Mr Somn said the service rates at his office are cheaper than those in private hospitals.

The service to determine a familial relationship is charged at about 5,0006,000 baht and 5,000 baht for a drugs test, he added.

The price range for document testing is 1,000-50,000 baht depending on how complicated the analysis is.

Every step of the test adheres to international testing standards. The results can be used as evidence in legal situations, Mr Somn said.

In the initial stage, the institute would be able to handle about 50 cases of DNA testing and 20 cases of drug testing monthly, he said.

People who want to use one of the services can contact 1111 or 02-142-3620 and 062-323-9000 for bookings.