DE Warns of Fake Paotang Benefit Emails
DE warns the public about fake emails claiming to be from Paotang by Krungthai offering additional benefits under the Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40) scheme, urging people to beware of scammers seeking money and personal information.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand (AFNC), has released the latest results of its fake news monitoring and reporting efforts. The initiative is in line with the policy of Mr.Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, to strengthen public awareness of technology-related crimes, fake news, and misinformation.
AFNC monitored a total of 130,070 messages and identified 5,776 messages requiring verification. The largest number of reports came from Social Listening channels, accounting for 5,774 messages, followed by 2 reports received through the AFNC Line Official account. A total of 21 issues were investigated, with verification results received from relevant agencies for 6 cases.
Among the 7 stories that attracted the greatest public attention, 2 were confirmed as true, 3 were identified as fake news, and 2 were classified as misleading information. These included:
1. Fake News: Paotang by Krungthai sends emails offering additional benefits under the Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40) scheme.
2. True News: The long-awaited flat-fare policy of 17–45 baht for all electric rail lines will begin on 1 January 2027.
3. Misleading Information: The Cabinet has banned civil servants from using government electricity to charge their personal EVs.
4. True News: The Thai-Cambodian border remains secure around the clock, with the military closely monitoring the situation and preparedness measures in place.
5. Fake News: China is using media campaigns to discourage Chinese tourists from traveling to Thailand.
6. Misleading Information: Thai F-16 fighter jets conducted late-night patrols amid tensions along the border.
7. Fake News: Thai soldiers discovered a Cambodian bunker just 20 meters from Ta Muen Thom Temple.
One of the most notable fake stories claimed that **Paotang by Krungthai** had sent emails informing recipients that they were eligible for additional benefits under the **Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40)** scheme. The DE Ministry coordinated with Krungthai Bank under the Ministry of Finance and confirmed that the claim is false.
Krungthai Bank explained that the email is fraudulent and was created by scammers impersonating the **Paotang** application to trick people into claiming additional benefits under the **Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40)** scheme.
The bank confirmed that it has **no policy** of sending emails asking users to claim additional benefits under the scheme. The public is urged not to click suspicious links or provide personal information through untrusted emails.
The DE Ministry remains concerned about the spread of fake news and misinformation across online and social media platforms. Sharing unverified information may lead to misunderstanding, financial losses, misuse of personal information, and broader impacts on society.
The public is encouraged to trust and share information only from official sources and to carefully verify facts and website links before believing or forwarding any information.
People who encounter suspicious information or possible fake news can report it or verify information through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand via Hotline 1111 ext. 87, available 24 hours a day.
ข่าวภาษาไทย / Thai Version
