Thailand Issues Warning Over Viral Fake ID Claims

Post by : Shakul

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society in Thailand has raised an alarm regarding misleading information gaining traction online about a national identity card tied to an individual named Cheng Zhaowu. This viral misinformation falsely asserted that the card holder had received personal endorsement from the former Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, igniting confusion across various social media platforms.

Wethang Puangsap, the spokesperson for the ministry, shared insights from the Anti-Fake News Center, confirming that the spreading claim had been identified as misleading rather than factual. Ministry officials highlighted the critical need for public vigilance in addressing the challenges posed by online misinformation and crimes related to technology.

The ministry clarified that the name and signature on the identity card indeed belonged to the Director-General from the relevant timeframe; however, these details are automatically featured on all cards issued during that period and do not reflect any special authorization for individual applicants.

Verification and issuance of national identity cards in Thailand fall under the purview of officers at district, sub-district, and municipal offices, who ensure the integrity of documents and personal identities before finalizing any card issuance. Any irregularities prompt local investigations, bypassing direct managerial involvement of the Director-General.

The Anti-Fake News Center also reported alarming statistics regarding misinformation in Thailand. As of May 26, 2026, over 160,000 online messages were flagged, with around 4,400 requiring verification. Most incidents were uncovered using social listening systems, complemented by user reports via official social media channels.

Recently, various fake news stories have captured public interest, including false narratives surrounding military actions, Cambodian labor disputes, banking fraud warnings, and infrastructure concerns. Authorities caution that the swift spread of unverified information can induce public anxiety, misconceptions, and jeopardize personal and financial safety.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society urges the public to engage only with information verified by official channels before disseminating news online. Officials also recommend meticulous verification of website links, sources, and facts to mitigate the potential repercussions of misinformation on society.

#World News #Thailand News #Cybersecurity #Government