DE warns the public about fake SMS messages containing fraudulent links and falsely claiming to be from the Department of Land Transport (DLT) to collect traffic fines, urging people to beware of financial losses and theft of personal information.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand (AFNC), has released the latest results of its fake news monitoring and reporting efforts. The initiative is in line with the policy of Mr.Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, to strengthen public awareness of technology-related crimes, fake news, and misinformation.
On 25 August 2026, AFNC monitored a total of 110,806 messages, of which 10,332 required verification. The largest number of leads came from Social Listening, accounting for 10,329 messages, followed by three messages received through LINE Official. A total of 38 issues required verification, with results received from relevant agencies for five cases.
Among the seven stories that attracted the greatest public attention, three were confirmed as true, three were identified as fake news, and one was identified as misleading information:
True News: The Ministry of Education has prohibited competitive examinations for early childhood students, stating that such examinations violate the law and may negatively affect brain development.
Fake News: Repeatedly boiling tap water produces carcinogenic substances.
True News: The Ministry of Finance will launch the second offering of “Savings Bond Plus” on 4 September 2026.
True News: People living along the Chao Phraya River in seven provinces are advised to monitor rising water levels due to increased water flows from the North.
Fake News: A Bangkok Airways aircraft crashed into the old air traffic control tower at Samui Airport.
Fake News: The Department of Land Transport sends SMS messages notifying people to pay traffic fines.
Misleading Information: Boiling basil leaves with salt and using the mixture as a mouth rinse can treat mouth ulcers, reduce inflammation, and inhibit bacteria.
One of the notable fake stories claimed that the Department of Land Transport had sent SMS messages requesting payment of traffic fines through the website mflwec.cc. The DE Ministry, in coordination with the Department of Land Transport (DLT) under the Ministry of Transport, confirmed that the claim is fake and that the website link is fraudulent.
The DLT has no policy of sending SMS messages notifying people of unpaid traffic fines or providing links for payment. It also has no policy allowing officials to call members of the public to request personal information or ask them to transfer money.
Therefore, links sent through SMS or LINE claiming to be from the DLT are not official communications from the Department. Anyone receiving such messages or calls claiming to be from DLT officials should not click any links, download unfamiliar applications, or transfer money as instructed. For further information, the public can contact the DLT Hotline at 1584.
The DE Ministry remains concerned about the spread of fake news and misinformation across online and social media platforms. A lack of awareness and the sharing of false information can lead people to believe misleading claims, cause misunderstanding, result in financial losses or theft of personal information, and potentially have wider impacts on society.
The public is therefore encouraged to trust and share useful information only from official sources and to carefully verify the facts and website links before believing or forwarding any information.
People who encounter suspicious information or possible fake news can report it or verify information through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand via Hotline 1111 ext. 87, available 24 hours a day.
