Tourism CIB Warns Public of Fake SMS Scam Targeting “Khon La Khrueng” Tourism Scheme

[Georgealbert]

Picture courtesy of CIB

 

Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has issued an urgent warning to the public regarding a new wave of fraudulent SMS messages designed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links in the name of the popular government tourism subsidy programme, Khon La Khrueng (Half-Half Co-Payment Scheme).

 

According to the CIB, scammers are exploiting the registration period for the 2025 Khon La Khrueng scheme by sending SMS messages that falsely claim to offer registration assistance. The messages direct recipients to click on a link that promises to provide a One-Time Password (OTP) required for registration confirmation.

 

Officials clarified that registration for the scheme must only be carried out through the official website or the Amazing Thailand mobile application. Once users register through these platforms, the legitimate system will send a verification OTP via the registered email, not through SMS.

 

“There will be absolutely no SMS messages from the system containing links or OTPs,” the CIB stressed in a public statement. “If you receive such a message, do not click the link under any circumstances.”

 

The bureau urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious messages to the authorities. They emphasised that falling for such scams could result in identity theft, financial loss, or the unauthorised use of personal information.

 

The Khon La Khrueng initiative, popular among Thai citizens, provides government subsidies to promote domestic tourism. Scammers have regularly targeted such public programmes in the past, taking advantage of citizens’ eagerness to secure benefits.

 

Authorities reminded the public to follow official channels for all updates and procedures and not to share sensitive information, such as personal ID numbers or OTPs, with unverified sources.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-07-04