Bangkok: The government warns against falling for scams where fraudsters send links and SMS messages asking people to add them as friends on Line, tricking them into registering for benefits under the Thai Help Thai Plus project. Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government has authorized the general public to register for the Thai Help Thai Plus project through the "Paotang" app. Registration begins today and will continue until May 29, 2026, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, or until the 30 million available slots are filled.
According to Thai News Agency, the government cautions the public not to fall for scams, as fraudsters are taking advantage of the situation by creating fake pages and sending SMS or chat messages falsely claiming to be opening registration for "Thai Chuey Thai Plus." These fraudulent messages trick individuals into clicking links and filling in personal information. The public is urged to be cautious and verify information carefully, as registration for "Thai Chuey Thai Plus" is only available through the "Paotang" application. Messages urging quick registration, clicking links, or adding a personal LINE friend claiming that eligibility will be lost within a limited time should be treated with suspicion, as they are likely scams.
To prevent the loss of personal information and property, and to ensure safety, several protective measures are recommended. Individuals should not click on links from SMS or other suspicious messages, as government programs will not send registration links via text. It is also advised not to trust unofficial social media pages or accounts. Valid registration is only possible through the "Paotang" and "Thung Ngern" apps. Personal information, including national ID numbers, dates of birth, PINs, OTPs, or bank account information, should never be shared.
Additionally, phone calls from those claiming to be officials should not be trusted, as government agencies and banks do not request OTPs or money transfers over the phone. Always verifying information is crucial; if in doubt, contacting the relevant agency directly and refraining from sharing information from rumors or unreliable pages is advised.
The government urges those who encounter scams or suspicious activity to report it online at thai police online.go.th or call the AOC hotline 1441, which is available 24 hours a day.