The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) continues to crack down on illegal loan apps and websites charging exorbitant interest rates, having shut down over 1,500 listings. It warns the public to be cautious of advertisements claiming “easy loans, fast approval,” and advises verifying information through the Bank of Thailand or by calling 1441 any time of day.
Ms. Nan Boonthida Somchai, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), disclosed the crackdown on illegal loan applications and websites or URLs charging interest rates above the legal limit, stating the ministry is working on two fronts:
1. Proactively using authority under the Computer Crime Act of 2007 and its amendments, Section 20, paragraph two, to detect websites or apps suspected of illegal activity. When identified, cases are forwarded to the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), Ministry of Finance, to verify whether these apps are properly registered. If not, DE petitions the court to order blocking of those websites or apps on stores or by ISPs.
2. Blocking actions based on notifications from agencies such as the Bank of Thailand or FPO. DE reviews evidence to determine if it meets the criteria to petition the court under Section 20(3) of the Computer Crime Act before requesting a court order to block the sites.
In the past year (from February 2025 to 20 May 2026), the Bank of Thailand sent a list of 79 apps to DE for court petitions to block. DE forwarded these to the FPO for registration verification and received responses on 57 apps. DE then filed court petitions to suspend dissemination through app stores, removing 57 microloan apps from circulation.
Additionally, DE has proactively blocked 1,466 URLs related to sites charging interest rates above the legal limit (from 1 October 2025 to 17 May 2026).
Currently, scammers deceive the public into borrowing money through various methods, often using websites or social media with misleading messages like “easy loans, fast approval, low interest, minimal documents, no collateral needed, loans available even with blacklists.” Those deceived risk losing personal data such as ID card numbers, house registration copies, or bank account details, or losing money by being tricked into paying fees, deposits, or guarantees.
“We urge the public to verify loan apps before using their services by checking registered loan apps on the Bank of Thailand’s website by searching ‘check loan app’ to confirm legitimacy. DE coordinates continuously with relevant agencies including the police, NBTC, Anti-Money Laundering Office, and the Bank of Thailand to crack down on illegal actions. If anyone is tricked into transferring deposits or fees, they should immediately report to AOC 1441, available 24/7,” said the Deputy Minister of DE.
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