BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has expedited the lifting of temporary suspensions on bank accounts proven to be unconnected to fraudulent “mule accounts.” Officials clarified that only amounts transferred from suspicious accounts are frozen, not the entire account, and normal transactions remain available. Accounts identified as mule accounts will not be unlocked under any circumstances.
Permanent Secretary Prof. Wisit Wisitsora-at chaired a meeting on lifting temporary suspensions under the Royal Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes (No. 2) B.E. 2568, in coordination with the Bank of Thailand, the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the Technology Crime Suppression Division.
He explained that temporary suspension is a mechanism to trace funds and return money to victims of online crime. Unlocking is authorized only after verification by the Anti-Online Crime Center (AOC 1441), which works jointly with commercial banks, the central bank, and police. To date, a number of accounts belonging to ordinary citizens have already been cleared and unlocked.
Citizens whose accounts have been wrongly suspended may call AOC 1441 (press 2) for assistance. Once cleared, banks will directly notify account holders. The AOC does not contact the public to avoid fraud attempts. (TNA)
