Phuket Scam Victims Surge to 5,500, Losses Reach 413 Million Baht
Sharp Rise in Scam Cases
PHUKET, Thailand – Scam-related crimes have escalated dramatically in Phuket, with over 5,500 victims reporting losses totaling 413 million baht in the past year. Police Colonel Kritsada Manawongsakun, Director of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) Region 5, confirmed the alarming trend.
Growing Financial Losses Over the Years
The number of scam victims has surged significantly:
- 2022: 1,365 victims, 10.9 million baht in losses
- 2023: 3,538 victims, 18.8 million baht in losses
- 2024: 5,510 victims, 413 million baht in losses
This sharp increase has prompted authorities to issue new public warnings and guidelines to prevent further fraud.
National Cybercrime Crisis
The TCSD operates under the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), which was established in 2020 to tackle rising cybercrime threats. In January 2025 alone, Thailand recorded 31,165 technology-related fraud cases, averaging 1,005 cases per day.
- Fraudulent online sales accounted for 55.88% of cases, causing 145 million baht in losses.
- Other common scams included fake job offers, prize claim fraud, call center scams, loan fraud, and investment fraud, with total damages exceeding 2 billion baht in just the first month of the year.
- Authorities froze 10,410 bank accounts linked to fraudulent activities and seized 448 million baht in assets.
Billions Lost to Online Fraud
The CCIB has received over 200,000 online fraud complaints in the past 11 months, with total losses estimated at 29 billion baht.
- Fraud operations cost victims approximately 100 million baht per day.
- Authorities have only been able to recover 10% of stolen funds.
Evolving Scam Tactics
Scammers in Phuket have adapted their methods over time:
- 2022: Fake sales calls and misleading work-from-home offers.
- 2023: Increased online financial fraud and fake product sales.
- 2024: Rise in fraudulent lending schemes and deceptive investment offers.
Criminals now impersonate government agencies, request sensitive personal information, and use stolen data from breaches, job applications, and investment schemes. Some insiders at financial institutions have even been found selling customer data to fraud networks.
Authorities Urge Public Vigilance
Victims are encouraged to report scams to local police, who will coordinate with the CCIB and TCSD for further investigation. Authorities continue efforts to combat cybercrime and recover stolen funds, but the rising number of cases highlights the need for increased public awareness and caution.
