The digital age has streamlined many administrative tasks, but the Thai Department of Land Transport is reminding citizens that some official procedures still require a personal touch. Authorities have issued a stern warning regarding a surge in fraudulent advertisements claiming that motorists can obtain or renew their driving licenses entirely online. These scams, often circulating through sophisticated Facebook pages, promise a shortcut that bypasses the mandatory testing and physical presence required by law.
The Anti-Fake News Center of Thailand recently collaborated with the Department of Land Transport to investigate these claims, confirming that any service offering a legal license without an in-person examination is entirely fraudulent. These scammers typically lure victims with the convenience of avoiding long queues and rigorous testing, asking for service fees ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 Thai Baht. Beyond the immediate financial loss, the risks involved are far more severe than a simple bureaucratic hurdle.
Officials emphasize that the process for securing a legitimate driving license remains a strictly physical procedure. Applicants must visit a local Department of Land Transport office to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and physical photos, and to complete the necessary physical and written examinations. While the department does offer an official Smart Queue app for scheduling and certain e-learning modules for renewal, these tools are designed to facilitate the process, not replace the mandatory physical verification and testing.
The consequences for those who fall for these schemes are twofold. First, providing sensitive personal information such as national ID card details and home addresses—to these anonymous scammers opens the door to identity theft and subsequent financial crimes. Second, anyone caught using a forged license faces significant legal jeopardy. Under the Thai Criminal Code, the use of forged official documents carries a penalty of six months to five years in prison and fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 Baht.
The Department of Land Transport is currently pursuing legal action against the operators of these fraudulent social media accounts. In the meantime, the public is urged to remain vigilant and suspicious of any offer that seems too good to be true. To ensure authenticity, individuals should only rely on official government channels and the department’s verified website for information. Navigating the road safely begins with ensuring your credentials are obtained through the proper legal channels rather than through a deceptive digital shortcut.
