Key points
- A detailed verification by Thai PBS Verify has uncovered a fraudulent social media page impersonating a well-known beachfront resort in Krabi, raising wider concerns for both domestic and international tourists who rely heavily on social platforms to plan their trips.
- The case centers on a Facebook page operating under the name “Centara AoNang Beach Resort,” which falsely claimed to represent the legitimate Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort &.
- Even more concerning, the scammers added the word “company” to a QR payment image to make it appear legitimate, although checks revealed the PromptPay account was registered under an individual’s name.
Thailand Hotel News: Thailand’s booming tourism industry has once again become a target for online scammers, with a recent investigation revealing how fake hotel Facebook pages are being used to deceive unsuspecting travelers into transferring money for non-existent room bookings. A detailed verification by Thai PBS Verify has uncovered a fraudulent social media page impersonating a well-known beachfront resort in Krabi, raising wider concerns for both domestic and international tourists who rely heavily on social platforms to plan their trips.
Image Credit: Thailand Hotel News
A Popular Krabi Hotel Name Used as Bait
The case centers on a Facebook page operating under the name “Centara AoNang Beach Resort,” which falsely claimed to represent the legitimate Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi. At first glance, the fake page appeared convincing, amassing around 24,000 followers and using professional-looking images identical to those seen on the real hotel’s official channels. Many travelers, especially those hunting for promotions or last-minute deals, could easily mistake it for an authentic page.
This Thailand Hotel News report highlights that the scam relied heavily on familiarity and brand recognition, exploiting the strong reputation of the Centara brand, which is part of Thailand’s Central Group. By copying images, logos, and even descriptive text, the fraudulent page blurred the line between genuine and fake, making it difficult for casual users to detect the deception.
How Investigators Spotted the Fake Page
Thai PBS Verify used several verification techniques to expose the scam. Images posted by the fake Facebook page were checked using Google Lens, which confirmed that the photos had been taken directly from the official Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi page. The genuine page, which has more than 30,000 followers, is clearly linked to the Central Group and has a long, consistent posting history.
Further checks showed that searching for the hotel’s name led directly to its official website. From there, clicking on the Facebook icon redirected users back to the legitimate page named “Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi.” In contrast, the fake page could not be accessed through any official Centara or Central Group website, a key red flag for investigators.
Suspicious Behavior Raised Alarms
Beyond copied images, the fake page showed several warning signs. Posting dates were frequently edited, a tactic often used to make old scam content appear recent. The contact phone number listed on the page could not be reached, and responses from page administrators pushed potential guests to act quickly, urging immediate payment to secure rooms.
Image Credit: Thai PBS Verify
When Thai PBS Verify contacted the fake page directly, administrators requested booking payments to be transferred to personal bank accounts rather than a registered company account. In one instance, an initial account provided could not accept transfers, after which a second personal account was shared. Even more concerning, the scammers added the word “company” to a QR payment image to make it appear legitimate, although checks revealed the PromptPay account was registered under an individual’s name.
The Hotel Issues a Public Warning
The real Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi has publicly confirmed that it operates only one official Facebook page and a single official website. On November 25, 2025, the hotel issued a clear warning advising travelers to beware of scammers impersonating the property on social media. The announcement stressed that guests should never book rooms or transfer money through unofficial channels, nor share personal information via suspicious pages.
The hotel emphasized that its legitimate bank account name is “Anda Beach Resort Co., Ltd.” and that all reservations should be made through verified platforms, including its official website, Facebook page, phone number, or corporate email address. Any deviation from these channels should be treated with caution.
Wider Impacts on Travelers and the Industry
Scams like this have consequences that extend far beyond individual financial losses. Victims may lose significant sums with little chance of recovery, while also risking personal data theft. At the same time, reputable hotels suffer reputational damage when travelers mistakenly associate fraudulent behavior with the brand itself. Over time, repeated incidents can erode public trust in online bookings, making travelers hesitant to use social media platforms for travel planning.
Image Credit: StockShots
What Travelers Should Do to Stay Safe
Experts and investigators recommend that travelers double-check page names carefully, as fake accounts often use subtle spelling changes. Payments should never be sent to personal bank accounts, and booking links should always be accessed directly through official hotel websites. Warning signs such as unreachable phone numbers, inconsistent posting histories, and pressure to pay quickly should not be ignored. Reporting suspicious pages to both social media platforms and hotels can also help prevent others from falling victim.
The exposure of this fake Krabi hotel page serves as a timely reminder that while social media can be a useful travel tool, vigilance is essential. By taking a few extra steps to verify information, travelers can protect both their finances and their peace of mind, while supporting legitimate businesses in Thailand’s vital tourism sector.
Thailand Hotel News highly recommends al readers and also travelers to avoid any hotel Facebook pages or any hospitality of restaurant related Facebook pages or groups as there is a lot of scams going on these days involving Facebook plus Facebook itself is not a safe platform. For discounts or promotions or offers, visit hotel news sites like ours and then book directly to the hotel’s websites or by calling the hotels directly. Do not also use Line accounts or certain other third-party booking platforms.
Reference:
https://www.thaipbs.or.th/verify/en/content/8812
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