DE warns the public about fraudulent SMS messages impersonating Lotus’s and offering 3,000 baht cash rewards through fake survey links, 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 results of its monitoring and reporting of fake news, in line with the policy of Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, to prevent and address security and social threats. The Ministry has prioritized raising public awareness of technology-related crimes, fake news, and misinformation.
On 18 October 2026, AFNC monitored a total of 105,785 messages, of which 7,355 messages required verification. The majority of suspicious information was detected through Social Listening, accounting for 7,352 messages, followed by 3 messages reported through the LINE Official channel.
A total of 16 issues were identified for verification, with results received from relevant agencies for 12 issues. Among these, the seven stories attracting the greatest public interest comprised 2 true news stories, 4 fake news stories, and 1 misleading information story, as follows:
True News: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports that Thailand has strong international reserves of USD 282 billion, with foreign investment increasing by 30% and a robust manufacturing base.
True News: The Thai Meteorological Department warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall from 18–25 October 2026.
Fake News: Thai soldiers fired multiple shots and deployed F-16 fighter jets over the airspace of Mom Bei.
Fake News: Lotus’s is sending SMS messages containing links offering 3,000 baht cash rewards.
Fake News: The Revenue Department has launched a new TikTok account under the username “jack16311.”
Fake News: The police have launched a Facebook page named “ศตอ. ศูนย์ติดตามทรัพย์สินจากอาชญากรรมออนไลน์” (Online Crime Asset Tracking Center).
Misleading Information: Drinking red wine helps people suffering from insomnia feel sleepy, fall asleep faster, and sleep more comfortably.
One of the notable cases involved the claim that Lotus’s was sending SMS messages containing links offering 3,000 baht cash rewards.
The DE Ministry, in cooperation with the official Lotus’s – โลตัส Facebook page, investigated the claim and confirmed that the links were fake.
Scammers had impersonated Lotus’s by using the company’s name and logo without authorization to promote a fraudulent survey promising participants a 3,000 baht cash reward. Lotus’s confirmed that neither the company nor its affiliated businesses have any policy or promotional campaign offering such rewards.
The public is therefore advised not to trust suspicious links circulated through SMS messages or social media, not to click on the links, and not to add unfamiliar LINE accounts.
Anyone encountering suspicious activities can report them through the official Lotus’s – โลตัส Facebook page inbox or contact the Lotus’s Customer Service Center at 1430.
The DE Ministry remains concerned about the spread of fake news and misinformation across online and social media platforms. Sharing unverified information may lead to misunderstanding, financial losses, misuse of personal information, and broader impacts on society.
The public is encouraged to trust and share information only from official sources and to carefully verify 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.
