Bangkok, March 23, 2025 – A sophisticated scam promising Thai driver’s licenses without tests or visits to the Department of Land Transport (DLT) has been making rounds on social media, duping both locals and foreigners out of thousands of baht. Authorities warn that these fraudulent schemes, often advertised on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and LINE, are not only costing victims money but also exposing them to serious legal risks.
The Pattaya News has been warning about this scam for years, such as here, but wanted to revisit it after recent mails from readers who have been unfortunate victims.
The scam typically begins with alluring social media posts claiming that for a fee—ranging from 2,000 to 5,500 baht, depending on the vehicle type—scammers can deliver a “fully legal” driver’s license with no need for exams or in-person applications. To bolster their credibility, fraudsters showcase fake testimonials and doctored images of official documents. Victims are then directed to private messaging apps, where they’re asked to send personal details—such as names, photographs, and ID numbers—along with upfront payments.
Once the money is transferred, the scammers either vanish or provide counterfeit licenses, sometimes dragging out the ruse by demanding additional “processing fees.” Those caught using fake licenses face steep penalties, including fines of 10,000 to 100,000 baht, imprisonment from six months to five years, and potential insurance issues in accidents.
The DLT and Royal Thai Police have issued repeated warnings, stressing that no legitimate online system exists for issuing driver’s licenses. All applications require in-person visits to a DLT office, along with a medical certificate, proof of residency, and, for those without a valid foreign license, both written and practical tests. Over 200 fraudulent Facebook pages have been flagged, with police cracking down under the Computer Crimes Act, which carries penalties of up to five years in jail and 100,000 baht fines for creating fake documents.
The scam exploits long wait times—up to three months in areas like Phuket—fueling its appeal. A recent victim, identified only as Mr. Peter, reported losing thousands of baht to the scheme after responding to a Facebook ad, with the scammer, using what appeared to be a fake FB account and a “mule” bank account, convinced him to continue to send hidden fees such as transfer fees, until the suspect vanished.
Authorities urge the public to use official DLT channels, like the DLT Smart Queue app, and report suspicious offers to the Tourist Police (1155) or DLT hotline (1584). As investigations continue, the persistence of these scams remains a pressing concern across Thailand.
Photos: Stock photos of traffic and people driving, taken by Adam Judd for The Pattaya News.
