PHUKET, THAILAND – A brazen cyber-extortion campaign left dozens of Phuket ride‑hailing drivers locked out of their accounts after hackers stole credentials and demanded ransoms, officials said.
How the scam worked
The crisis began after the Department of Land Transport (DLT) removed unregistered vehicles from ride‑hailing platforms. Desperate for quick solutions, some drivers turned to online groups on LINE and Facebook where fraudsters were advertising so‑called “unlocking services.” Drivers were instructed to transfer between 3,000 and 7,000 Baht (roughly 75–175 euros) to so‑called “mule accounts.” Many never regained access to their accounts, and others discovered that registered vehicle details and plate numbers had been altered.
Official response and taskforce
At a crisis meeting in Phuket Provincial Hall, Governor Saransak Srikruanetra and Member of Parliament Chalermpong Saengdee heard distressed testimony from affected drivers. Authorities responded by forming a multidisciplinary taskforce that included the Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office (PLTO), the trade authority, local police and the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA).
“A subcommittee on land transport has been formed to collect evidence, pursue the cybercriminals and trace the flow of money,” Governor Saransak said, announcing the coordinated effort.
Passenger safety concerns
Officials warned the fraud carried serious safety implications. Manipulated vehicle records could allow unauthorised individuals to pose as legitimate drivers, endangering passengers and damaging the reputation of the island’s ride‑hailing sector, which is important for Phuket’s tourism industry. The provincial ombudsman had already been inundated with complaints from victims seeking redress.
New security measures and training
Chalermpong said authorities planned closer cooperation with major ride‑hailing companies and outlined measures designed to harden account security: two‑factor authentication, alerts for unusual logins and stricter identity and vehicle verification. The PLTO also said it would provide training for app drivers on proper registration, legal obligations and how to avoid scams.
Longer term plans
Governor Saransak said he was considering legal changes to make the registration process for app‑based drivers more transparent and user‑friendly, aiming to close the loopholes exploited by cybercriminals. “This is not just about technology,” he said. “It is about protecting livelihoods and creating a fair, safe platform for everyone.”
While police intensified investigations, many drivers said they felt relieved that provincial leaders had taken up their cause. The incoming taskforce faces the twin challenges of tracking criminal networks and restoring confidence among drivers and passengers alike.
Source: The Thaiger