Thai Scam Victims Lose Nearly 66 Billion Baht Annually, Facebook and LINE Identified as Key Channels

Thai Scam Victims Lose Nearly 66 Billion Baht Annually, Facebook and LINE Identified as Key Channels

BANGKOK, November 12, 2026 – Victims of online scams in Thailand suffered estimated financial losses of 65.86 billion baht (approximately US$1.85 billion) over the past 12 months, with Facebook and LINE identified as leading platforms used by criminals to contact potential victims, according to a new report presented in Bangkok.

The findings were highlighted at the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026, held at the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel on November 10. More than 800 representatives from law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, regulators, telecommunications companies and technology firms attended the event organised by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA).

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said officially recorded financial losses had nevertheless declined significantly following stronger cooperation between police, banks and regulatory agencies.

Government figures showed reported losses falling from 6.577 billion baht between January and May 2026 to 3.801 billion baht between June and October, a reduction of 2.776 billion baht, or 42.2%.

Chaichanok attributed the improvement partly to coordinated efforts to freeze more than 1.5 million suspected fraudulent and mule accounts.

Survey reveals widespread exposure to scams

GASA’s State of Scams in Thailand 2026 report, published on November 9 in partnership with Mastercard and Whoscall, surveyed 1,290 Thai adults.

It estimated average losses of 11,951 baht per victim and total annual losses of 65.86 billion baht over the preceding 12 months.

The survey found that 79% of respondents had encountered a scam, compared with 72% in 2025. Among those who had lost money, six in 10 said they had been successfully targeted more than once.

The report identified Facebook and LINE as the leading channels through which scammers contacted potential victims.

The survey’s estimated annual losses should be distinguished from the government’s officially recorded figures, as the two datasets cover different reporting periods and methodologies. The GASA estimate covers a rolling 12-month period, while government figures measure officially recorded losses during two successive five-month periods.

New GASA Thailand Chapter launched

The summit also marked the formal launch of the GASA Thailand Chapter, established to strengthen cooperation among government agencies, financial institutions, technology companies and other organisations involved in combating online fraud.

#Professor Rajat Maheshwari was named the chapter’s first president.

Gogolook Thailand Managing Director Kodchasorn Jaijam said the chapter would focus on cross-sector cooperation, intelligence sharing, research and public-awareness initiatives in partnership with consumer protection organisations and civil society groups.

However, the chapter does not have independent authority to investigate crimes or freeze financial accounts. Those responsibilities remain with government agencies and financial institutions.

GASA Managing Director Jorij Abraham called for faster intelligence sharing, warning that existing support systems often fail victims both before and after financial losses occur.

Dr. Nakarin Amaret, deputy director of the Bank of Thailand’s Payment System Policy and Financial Consumer Protection Division, said fraud typically begins with persuasion and the establishment of trust before victims are convinced to transfer money.

Technology companies strengthen anti-scam efforts

Meta’s senior Asia-Pacific public policy representative, Beth Ann Lim, described online scams as cross-border criminal operations requiring cooperation among technology platforms, banks, telecommunications companies, regulators and law enforcement agencies.

Meta reported removing more than 65 million scam-related items from Facebook and Instagram during the first half of 2026, with 94% identified before users reported them.

The company also said it had taken action against approximately 15,000 scam-related entities across seven countries.

These figures were provided by Meta and do not establish how much financial loss was prevented.

The summit highlighted the growing need for coordinated action against online fraud, as Thailand continues efforts to reduce financial losses and strengthen protection for consumers in an increasingly connected digital economy.