Transport
Thai Government Issues Warning Over Traffic Fine SMS Scams
The Thai government has alerted the public to fraudulent SMS messages claiming to be traffic tickets, urging citizens to avoid clicking suspicious links.
On September 13, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploy-Talay Laksameesangchan issued a formal warning regarding a surge in SMS phishing scams targeting motorists in Thailand. According to reports from the Royal Thai Police, scammers are sending text messages from unrecognized numbers claiming that recipients have outstanding traffic fines. These messages often include phrases like 'RTP: You have an outstanding e-Ticket' and provide a shortened link for payment.
When users click these links, they are directed to fraudulent websites designed to mimic official traffic fine systems. These sites display fabricated details, such as ticket numbers and vehicle registration information, to gain the victim's trust. The ultimate goal of these sites is to trick individuals into entering personal information and credit or debit card details to 'pay' the fake fine.
The government has clarified that the Royal Thai Police does not have a policy of requesting fine payments via SMS links or QR codes. For residents and travelers, this serves as a critical reminder to verify any traffic-related notifications only through official government channels. Authorities have emphasized that citizens should never input financial data into websites accessed via unsolicited text messages. As of now, the government has provided three official channels for verifying legitimate traffic tickets, though users are advised to remain vigilant against any communication that creates a false sense of urgency.