Thailand bans all government links in messages
Thailand escalates its anti-scam strategy by outlawing links in official messages. Here's why that matters for digital trust and communication
Thailand is taking a hardline stance on cybercrime with a sweeping new policy that bans all state agencies from sending texts or emails containing embedded links.
The directive, approved by the Cabinet and led by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), aims to choke off a key vector for online scams: fake links impersonating government services.
This article explores the background behind Thailand’s new policy, its connection to broader fraud prevention efforts, and what it signals for marketers, platforms, and regulators in other countries.
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Here’s a table of contents for quick access:
- What happened: Thailand bans links in official messages
- Context: why this policy became necessary
- What marketers should know
Patrecia Meliana
Thailand bans links in official messages
On the directive of Minister Chaichanok Chidchob, the Thai Cabinet has enacted a landmark policy banning all government agencies from including links in any SMS or email communications. The goal is to eliminate public confusion and shut down a common entry point for phishing scams that impersonate official government messages.
Citizens are now instructed to assume that any message claiming to be from a government body with a link is fake and to report it immediately to the police and the relevant agency.
“The goal is for the public to understand unanimously that ‘government agencies will not send any links via SMS or email,’ and any such messages should be treated as criminal impersonation,” said Chaichanok.
This ban applies across all government bodies and extends previous measures already enforced by Thailand’s financial and telecom regulators.
Why this policy became necessary
The decision is a major escalation in Thailand’s ongoing war against cybercrime, coordinated by the Committee on the Prevention and Suppression of Technological Crime.
Despite efforts from the Royal Thai Police, telecom firms, and the financial sector, scammers continued to bypass filters with malware-loaded links and cloned websites. Authorities described the move as an attempt to control the “headwaters” of fraud by cutting off deceptive messaging at its source.
The policy mirrors earlier crackdowns:
- In July 2025, the Bank of Thailand barred financial institutions from sending SMS messages with links
- In August 2025, the NBTC (Thailand’s telecom regulator) tightened bulk messaging laws, requiring sender registration and mandatory link verification
Yet, the scam epidemic has persisted, prompting the government to issue this unambiguous, zero-tolerance approach.
What marketers should know
Thailand’s no-link mandate offers key insights for communicators and digital strategists across sectors and regions. Here’s what stands out:
1. Public trust in digital messages is collapsing
When entire governments feel compelled to ban URLs from official channels, it signals trouble for every organization relying on SMS or email to connect with users. Marketers must now work harder to build trust in link-heavy channels like newsletters, promotional texts, and transactional emails.
Tip: Consider alternative verification methods, such as branded short domains, official QR codes, or verified sender badges.
2. Expect ripple effects across regulated industries
Thailand’s move may set a precedent for other governments, especially across Southeast Asia, where scams are widespread and digital trust is fragile. Financial institutions, insurers, and e-government platforms may face stricter messaging rules soon.
Action point: Monitor policy updates in key markets. Legal, compliance, and marketing teams need to coordinate early to avoid disruption.
3. Messaging platforms may get pulled into compliance
As governments take bold steps to eliminate scam tactics, messaging platforms may be pressured to do more. Expect features like link scanning, sender reputation scoring, and secure delivery policies to become standard.
Watchlist: Tools for secure link shortening, branded sender IDs, and fraud detection may gain traction fast.
Thailand’s blanket ban on links in government communications shows how far digital trust has eroded. For marketers, the message is clear: be transparent, protect your audience, and rethink how you use links in high-risk channels.
If your brand relies on direct messaging to reach users, now is the time to review your link strategy and prepare for a world where security beats convenience.
