Picture courtesy of TopNews.

 

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has issued a warning to the public after detecting fraudulent social media pages falsely claiming to represent the Department of Land Transport and offering to process driving licences without testing.

 

The ministry revealed that one of the most widely shared pieces of misinformation this week came from a Facebook page called “Maratree”, which advertised services for obtaining driving licences “without exams.” Officials stressed that the claims were entirely false and designed to trick victims into transferring money and handing over personal data.

 

Mr. Wethangk Phuangsub, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission and spokesperson for DES, said that between 22 and 28 August, the Anti-Fake News Centre monitored more than 973,000 messages, with 793 requiring verification.

 

The top ten fake news stories included claims about government services, border security issues with Cambodia, bank debt relief schemes and misleading health products. The most shared item was the bogus driving licence service, followed by false claims about beta-glucan supplements curing water retention and detoxifying the body.

 

DES confirmed with the Department of Land Transport that no such online service exists. The department reiterated that all driving licence applications and renewals must be carried out in person, and licences cannot be obtained through intermediaries or social media. Citizens can report suspicious activity directly to the department via its hotline at 1584, which is available 24 hours a day.

 

The ministry further cautioned the public against believing or sharing unverified health information. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that while beta-glucan, a natural substance found in oats, barley and mushrooms, may help reduce cholesterol absorption, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that it treats swelling or removes toxins from the body.

 

Officials urged citizens to remain vigilant, verify sources, and report suspicious content. Fake news and scams not only risk financial loss and identity theft but also contribute to public confusion, fear and mistrust.

 

Reports of misleading or suspicious information can be submitted via the Anti-Fake News Centre at 1111 ext. 87 (24 hours), or through its website and social media channels.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Top News 2025-08-31

 

 

 

Are they fake, or do they have contacts within the govt dept who will process the real licence for a fee?  Visa Agents seem to do the same thing. 

I reported on this issue over a year ago!  I found out because my son friend Thai got sucker into trying to get one! He told me his story got ripped off for like 5-8000 baht before he gave up and got the message!

 

You see lots of ads of FB and YouTube, I complain about them both basically said nothing wrong based on their rules, it is a scam. I was commenting on many ads there after one even threaten me. 

 

The keys, is they ask you to use LINE!  they advertise with a bunch of farang holding up driver licenses, they are in on the scam too!

One site actually uses company DLT, guys dressed up like police.  The tell you no schooling they do everything for you don't need to go anywhere!  Up front for a car license is 2500 transfer online, forward a photo of yourself then they come back on LINE BUT!  Now they want another 5000 baht, need to create a QR code but this money once done will come back refunded to you. IF you go that far as my son friend they will later come back and ask for another 6000? because of another QR?  my friend decline he ran out of money ask for a refund they hung up!

 

The clue is you need do nothing not leave you house etc!    Sad that FB and Youtube allow all these fake stuff!

 

 

Can't understand why retirees wouldn't have the time to apply in person, took 3-4 hours and cost me 250 baht or 10% of what the online sites were quoting, even assuming they were legitimate. 

So why have these con artists not been charged ?

2 minutes ago, Humpy said:

So why have these con artists not been charged ?

I reported them to FB but the refuse to stop the ads.

They should also warn about the sites charging for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card