Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has told mobile phone users to update their phone-number information by 30 August, warning that the measure is needed to help prevent cybercrime.
The regulator's warning, reported by TV Channel 7 on the night of 12 August, applies to people using mobile services in Thailand. Users should check for instructions issued through the channels designated by their individual network provider.
Those receiving an SMS or other alert from their mobile network should complete the requested steps without delay, the NBTC said. Anyone uncertain whether a message is genuine should contact their provider's service centre directly.
Check messages only through your provider
For foreigners, including expats, tourists and other visitors using Thai SIM cards, the practical advice is the same: do not ignore a verified message from your network about updating account or phone-number details before the deadline.
However, users should be cautious about unexpected links or requests for personal information. The NBTC advised customers who have doubts about an alert to verify it with their provider directly rather than relying on the message alone.
Online fraud losses exceed 7.48bn baht
The warning comes as Thailand continues to record large numbers of online fraud cases. More than 120,000 cybercrime reports were filed during the first four months of this year, with losses exceeding 7.48 billion baht.
That works out at more than 1,000 reported cases a day.
The most frequently reported fraud involved purchases of goods and services, accounting for more than 85,000 cases. Investment scams and offers promising high returns caused the greatest financial damage, with losses of almost 6 billion baht.
The NBTC urged the public to take extra care when carrying out online transactions, particularly where payments, investment offers or unfamiliar sellers are involved.
Research support for AI-era threats
Separately, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has joined efforts to address the problem.
It is using the Capital Market Development Fund to support young researchers working on challenges linked to the AI era and cyberthreats.
Picture courtesy of TNR
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14 August 2026
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