Law
Thai Police Issue Warning Over Traffic Fine SMS Scams
Authorities are warning the public about fraudulent SMS messages claiming to be from the Royal Thai Police regarding unpaid traffic tickets.
On September 10, 2026, the Royal Thai Police issued a formal warning regarding a surge in phishing scams targeting motorists. According to Khaosod Online, scammers are sending SMS messages that falsely claim the recipient has an outstanding traffic ticket. These messages often include a link or QR code, urging users to click and provide sensitive information, such as credit card details, to settle the alleged fine.
Police Lieutenant General Nitithorn Jintakanon, representing the Traffic Management Center, clarified that the Royal Thai Police has no policy of requesting fine payments via SMS links or QR codes. The public is advised to exercise extreme caution and follow the mantra: "Stop before clicking, check before paying."
For residents and travelers, this scam poses a significant risk of financial fraud and identity theft. If you receive a notification regarding a traffic violation, do not interact with the links provided in the text. Instead, verify the status of any traffic tickets exclusively through official government channels, specifically the "Tang Rat" application, the "Police Care" platform, or the official PTM (Police Ticket Management) website. As of now, authorities are actively working to mitigate these fraudulent activities, but individuals should remain vigilant against any unsolicited messages demanding urgent payment.
