I Was Locked Out of Facebook in Thailand – And I’m Not Alone

Yesterday morning started like any other. I opened my laptop, sipped my coffee, and went to check my Facebook—only to find my account suddenly blocked.

No warning. No explanation. Just gone.

As someone who runs multiple businesses in Thailand and relies on Facebook for both personal communication and professional marketing, this was a nightmare scenario. I hadn’t violated any rules, posted anything unusual, or received any prior warnings. Thankfully, I had access to Meta’s Business Helpdesk through my professional account, and after a few intense hours and multiple chats with support, I managed to get my account restored.

But here’s where it gets strange.

Two other foreigners I know—also living in Thailand—had the exact same experience that day.

Their accounts were also suddenly blocked for no clear reason. All of us are long-term residents in Thailand, and all use Facebook heavily for work and communication. None of us had broken any rules. So what happened?

Then today, the puzzle pieces started to fall into place.

I came across this article from The Nation:
👉 Meta urges Thai government to use legal process for data requests

According to the article, Meta (the parent company of Facebook) has been receiving a surge in data requests from the Thai government, and not all of them are going through legal channels. In fact, Meta issued a rare and strongly worded warning, asking the Thai government to stop using informal channels and follow international legal standards when requesting information about users.

“Meta has become aware that Thai authorities may be attempting to pressure Meta and other technology companies to share information about users without going through the proper legal channels,” a spokesperson told The Nation.

Meta’s position is clear: user privacy and due process must be respected. The company emphasized it only complies with official court orders or legitimate legal processes—not political pressure or behind-the-scenes demands.

The timing of all this feels more than coincidental. Could it be that the wave of foreign user account blocks—especially for those living in Thailand—is linked to a broader data scrutiny campaign?

It’s impossible to say for sure, but the implications are real.

💡 Why This Matters to Expats and Tourists in Thailand

If you’re a foreigner living in Thailand—or planning to visit—you should know that online platforms like Facebook may come under government scrutiny, especially during politically sensitive times (Thailand’s elections and power transitions often trigger these waves).

Meta’s recent statement also reveals a deeper conflict: the tug-of-war between privacy rights and national security. This isn’t unique to Thailand, but it’s becoming more visible here.

Whether you’re running a business, managing property rentals, or simply staying in touch with friends back home, it’s a reminder to:

• Secure your account (two-factor authentication is a must)
• Keep access to support channels, like Meta Business Helpdesk if you qualify
• Be cautious with your digital footprint in politically sensitive environments

✍️ Final Thoughts

I’m grateful I got my account back. But the fact that others went through the same experience on the same day—and the fact that Meta is now publicly pushing back against unofficial data requests in Thailand—tells me this isn’t an isolated glitch.

It’s part of a bigger story, and it’s one we all need to keep an eye on.

If you’re an expat, digital nomad, or business owner in Thailand, this might be the right time to double-check your digital security—and stay informed about the changing tech landscape in the Land of Smiles.

Have you experienced similar issues with Facebook or other platforms in Thailand recently? Let’s discuss in the comments.

#ThailandNews #DigitalPrivacy #FacebookBlocked #ThailandExpats #MetaThailand #SocialMediaSecurity #ThailandPolitics #ThaiLaw