The baby at the centre of the Thai surrogacy scandal that made international headlines last year has become an Australian citizen.
West Australian couple Wendy and David Farnell were swept up in a media storm in August when Thai surrogate Pattaramon Chanbua alleged they had abandoned Gammy, who has Down syndrome, and returned to WA with his twin sister, Pipah.
While Mr Farnell, a convicted child sex offender, retained custody of Pipah late last year after an investigation by the WA Department for Child Protection, Gammy and his family have a new home in Thailand's Chonburi province.
Last year, Pattaramon, also known as Goy, applied for citizenship for her son with the help of the Australian charity Hands Across the Water as a safeguard for his future.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection confirmed on Tuesday that the child's application for citizenship by descent had been granted.
Pattaramon said she had no immediate plans to take her son to Australia.
"I want him to be near me here so that I don't have to miss him," the 21-year-old told French news agency AFP.
"But if all of my family, including me die and if Gammy is left behind alone, at least the Australian government will help him."
She added that Gammy was in good health and turned one in December.
In November, WA Child Protection Minister Helen Morton said there would be "continual and rigorous testing" of a safety plan that had been developed for Pipah.
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