BANGKOK, THAILAND – A fraudulent Facebook page that claimed to sell Thai driving licences without tests or in-person visits was exposed and condemned by authorities.
Fake page misused transport authority’s name
The scheme operated via a Facebook page calling itself “DLT Department of Land Transport for hire to issue all types of driving licenses”, copying the official name of Thailand’s Department of Land Transport (DLT) to gain trust. The page claimed it could issue any kind of licence in exchange for payment. It promised no training, no theory exam and no driving test, with the licence supposedly sent by post after a bank transfer.
“This is complete fraud.”
said Anti-Fake News Centre Thailand (AFNCT).
Citizen tip-offs led to investigation
Alert members of the public raised the alarm, prompting the AFNCT to review the case and refer it to the real DLT. The verification showed that the Facebook page spread false information and had no connection to the transport authority.
“We have no policy to authorize any person or any entity to issue driving licences on our behalf.”
said the Department of Land Transport.
Official path to a licence remains strictly regulated
The DLT stressed that anyone seeking a driving licence had to apply in person at a DLT office, both for first-time and all other categories of licences. Mandatory training, a theory exam and a practical driving test were required, with no exceptions or shortcuts. The agency underlined that official fees were fixed and collected only through direct, in-person procedures.
Victims risk losing money and personal data
People who transferred money to the fraudulent account not only risked losing their funds but also their privacy. The scammers typically requested payment to a private bank account and collected personal details during contact. These data could then end up in the hands of criminals.
“In the worst case, people receive a fake driving licence and lose their money. Their personal data can also be used for further fraud.”
said AFNCT.
Authorities urge caution on social media offers
Officials advised the public to exercise extreme caution with social media offers related to licences or official documents. They reiterated that no legitimate authority in Thailand issued driving licences by post or fully online. Before paying any money, applicants were urged to check the official DLT website or visit a DLT office in person, using publicly available phone numbers and addresses.
“Do not be dazzled by supposedly easy solutions. The path to a driving licence is clearly regulated – and it runs only through us.”
said the Department of Land Transport.
Police move to shut down fake page
Police were called in to have the fake Facebook page taken offline as quickly as possible, and investigations into the unknown operators were under way. The AFNCT and DLT said they were working closely to uncover further similar fraud schemes. Authorities called on the public to remain vigilant, warn friends and family, and rely solely on official DLT offices for all driving licence applications, describing any alternative offers as pure waste of money and potentially dangerous.