Officials say electricity theft through meter tampering and illegal connections was used to power cryptocurrency mining operations, prompting criminal complaints and multimillion-baht damage claims.
BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Interior and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) have stepped up a nationwide crackdown on the illegal use of electricity for Bitcoin mining, raiding 14 locations across five northeastern provinces and seizing 315 cryptocurrency mining machines. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Periswivattana said the operation was carried out in cooperation with the PEA, the Department of Provincial Administration, the Royal Thai Police, and other agencies following investigations into abnormal electricity consumption in targeted areas. The raids took place in Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Roi Et, and Maha Sarakham provinces.
Authorities discovered electricity theft through meter tampering and unauthorized connections that bypassed meters entirely. The stolen electricity was used to power cryptocurrency mining machines, disrupting the efficiency and stability of the electricity distribution system. Officials estimated the total damage at approximately 40.38 million baht, including about 5.38 million baht in penalties for electricity-related violations and around 35 million baht in adjusted electricity charges. The PEA has compiled evidence and filed criminal complaints against all those involved, while the government said it would continue efforts to combat illegal electricity use and safeguard the country’s energy security. (NNT)
