Thailand Issues Warning Over Fraudulent ID Card Claims

Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has released a cautionary statement regarding false information related to a national identity card linked to an individual named Cheng Zhaowu. This erroneous claim, which circulated widely, suggested that the holder had received direct approval from the 38th former Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, igniting confusion on social media.

Wethang Puangsap, spokesperson for the ministry, announced the clarification based on the findings from Thailand’s Anti-Fake News Center. According to officials, the claim was assessed and determined to be misleading rather than factual. Emphasizing the significance of public vigilance against online misinformation, they highlighted the rise of technology-linked fraudulent activities.

The ministry clarified that the name and signature on the disputed identity card belong to the Director-General who was in office during that period. However, it was further explained that this name and signature appear on all national identity cards issued at that time, indicating no personal endorsement for any specific applicant.

Verification and issuance of Thai national identity cards are carried out by officials at district, sub-district, and municipal offices. These agents are tasked with conducting thorough checks of documents and identities before any official card is issued. In instances of irregularity, investigations are managed locally and do not involve direct oversight from the Director-General.

Additionally, the Anti-Fake News Center disclosed that as of May 26, 2026, it has been monitoring over 160,000 online messages, with more than 4,400 reports flagged for verification. Most of these reports were identified through social listening tools, alongside complaints lodged via official Line and Facebook channels.

Recently, various misleading stories gained significant traction, including unfounded claims about military actions, Cambodian labor disputes, banking fraud warnings, and infrastructure challenges. Authorities cautioned that the unchecked spread of this type of information may lead to public panic, misunderstandings, and vulnerabilities concerning personal and financial data.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society advises citizens to consult only validated information from official sources before circulating news online. They also encouraged the public to scrutinize links, sources, and facts to help curb the proliferation of misleading information that could adversely impact society.