The Phuket office of the Department of Land Transport has repeated its warning about social media scams offering fake, or ‘short-cut’, driving licences. According to officials, there are still more than 200 Facebook pages operating the scam, which targets foreigners trying to get hold of a Thai driving licence.
Saksom Akkarapan, spokesman for the DLT, says 164 pages have had legal action taken against them, but there are at least 270 more still operating.
According to a Phuket Express report, posts on the fake pages claim that a Thai driving licence can be obtained without sitting a test, without having an existing licence, and without the need to even visit the Land Transport office. All this for a payment of anything from 1,000 baht to 6,000 baht, depending on the page.
Sounds too good to be true? That’s because it is. Victims who fall for the scam end up transferring money to the scammers and then, surprise, surprise, they either never hear from them again or they receive a fake driving licence that will be detected by any officials or policemen with even a quick inspection.
Now, Phuket officials are saying the victims themselves could be the subject of legal action for using fake documentation. This offence carries a penalty of between 6 months to 5 years in prison and/or a fine ranging from 10,000 baht to 100,000 baht.
Officials continue to hunt down those behind the scam Facebook pages, with Saksom saying they will be prosecuted under Thailand’s Computer Crimes Act. This means offenders could face a prison term of up to 5 years and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht. Those responsible for making the fake driving licences will also face legal action.
The DLT says that anyone in need of a legitimate Thai driving licence can register to join the queue by using the DLT Smart Queue app.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
