BANGKOK (THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The owner of the clinic at the centre of a surrogacy scandal in Thailand reported to the police on Tuesday but denied all the allegations against him.

Pisit Tantiwattanakul, the owner of the scandal-hit All IVF Clinic, accused of providing surrogacy services to a Japanese man who fathered at least 15 babies, learnt of the charges last night when he reported to Lumpini police. He has been charged with operating the clinic without a proper medical licence and of providing surrogacy services at his establishment.

The Japanese businessman, Mr Mitsutoki Shigeta, is confirmed to have fathered at least 15 babies with surrogate mothers in Thailand.

The doctor defended his delay in reporting to the police, saying he had been compiling additional evidence to support his case. Pisit insisted he had obtained a proper licence to operate his clinic.

His legal team is to provide more documents and statements relating to the case within 30 days. Two surrogate mothers employed by the clinic will also be summoned to testify to the police.