BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaichanok Chidchob reported ongoing progress in Thailand’s efforts against online scam networks. Over 1.18 million mule accounts have been suspended, and financial losses from cybercrime fell to approximately 1.7 billion baht in December 2025.
The Minister stated that the Committee on the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes, under Section 13 of the emergency decree, continues to coordinate with relevant agencies to protect the public and reduce the impact of scam-related offenses.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has stepped up efforts to block online channels used for cybercrime, including fraudulent websites, social media accounts, and illegal gambling platforms. From October 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026, authorities blocked 304,631 URLs, including 259,385 related to gambling.
The ministry has partnered with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and telecom operators to strengthen controls over SIM cards, signal infrastructure, and cross-border communications. Measures include limiting SIM ownership to five numbers per person, requiring identity verification through KYC before activation, suspending SIM registration at kiosks without KYC systems, and cancelling all online SIM and e-SIM registration channels. Authorities have also increased oversight of SIM box use and related equipment imports, in cooperation with the Customs Department.
Additionally, the NBTC has suspended phone numbers with abnormal usage patterns linked to suspected “ghost SIMs.” In December 2025, more than 23,000 numbers were flagged, and about 2.4 million outbound calls were recorded.
The Department of Business Development has implemented stricter corporate registration requirements to prevent the use of legal entities as mule-account networks. These include mandatory in-person verification, bank statement submissions, and proof of office premises.
Police statistics show a steady decline in online crime losses. In December 2025, there were 31,198 cases with total damages of 1.792 billion baht, down from 2.209 billion baht in December 2024.
The minister reaffirmed that proactive enforcement will continue to reduce the number of victims and the overall economic impact of online crime. (NNT)
