Thai cyber police have arrested a 27-year-old Lao woman accused of operating a mobile False Base Station from a vehicle in Bangkok to send fraudulent SMS messages impersonating AIS, one of Thailand’s largest mobile network providers. Authorities said the operation was designed to trick members of the public into revealing personal and financial information through fake websites. Get today's headlines by email The arrest followed a report on 1 June from AIS specialists, who informed investigators that customers had received SMS messages falsely claiming to be from the company. The messages invited recipients to claim prizes and included links directing users to websites that were not connected to AIS. Police from Technology Crime Suppression Division 4, working alongside AIS engineers and specialist analysis units, carried out a technical investigation. They detected unusual signals originating from a device believed to be a False Base Station operating near Soi Bang Kradi 28 in Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian district, Bangkok. On 5 June, officers tracked the signal to a suspicious vehicle parked in the target area. A search of the vehicle uncovered telecommunications equipment being used as a fake mobile phone base station. Police arrested Ms Khonsawan Phrawiset, aged 27, a Lao national, and seized a large quantity of telecommunications and False Base Station equipment. Picture courtesy of Khaosod According to investigators, the suspect used the equipment to broadcast fraudulent mobile signals, causing nearby mobile phones to connect to the rogue station rather than a legitimate network. Once connected, the system sent fake SMS messages that appeared to come from a trusted mobile operator and contained links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal details, financial information and credit card data. Major General Kritatcha Bamrungratanyot, commander of Technology Crime Suppression Division 4, said criminal groups are increasingly adapting their methods by using False Base Station technology to send deceptive messages directly to mobile phones. He warned that such messages can appear to originate from trusted organisations or service providers, making them more convincing to potential victims. Khaosod reported that police have advised the public not to click on links contained in SMS messages from unknown sources and not to enter personal or financial information on websites that have not been verified. Members of the public can report suspicious activity or seek advice through the Cyber Police hotline 1441, which operates 24 hours a day. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 7 June 2026
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