Bangkok: The government is ramping up its crackdown on cyber threats, implementing measures to control SIM cards, crack down on SIM boxes, and increase refunds for victims of online crime.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's leadership, the government is prioritizing the systematic suppression of cyber threats. This initiative comes in response to the growing complexity and rapid expansion of technology-related crimes such as online fraud, fake accounts, and fake SIM cards that impact safety, property, and public trust.
The deputy spokesperson highlighted that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has issued the Ministerial Regulation on Refund of Money to Victims of Technology Crimes B.E. 2569 (2026). This regulation, published in the Royal Gazette on May 14, 2026, will take effect 90 days after publication. It mandates financial institutions, businesses, and related agencies to report suspicious transactions to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) through an electronic system, facilitating rapid investigation of financial transactions and digital assets linked to technology crimes.
The regulation stipulates that when transactions related to cybercrime are identified, the relevant agency must report to AMLO, which will investigate, publicize account information, and allow victims to file claims for refunds. The Cybercrime Transaction Committee will then decide on returning the money or digital assets based on evidence and financial trails.
In parallel, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has introduced measures for telecommunications licensees to prevent cybercrime. These measures include restricting mobile phone number registrations for non-Thai nationals to a maximum of three numbers per person per provider, requiring in-person registration to prevent misuse as "mock SIMs" for online fraud.
Moreover, the use of SIM BOX devices or gateways supporting multiple SIM cards without permission is prohibited, as is using IP addresses registered in Thailand for inappropriate foreign services. Service providers must retain user data for 180 days for legal procedures, and additional phone number registrations must be denied to individuals in cybercrime databases.
Ms. Lalida emphasized that these measures reflect the government's comprehensive approach to addressing cyber threats by closing vulnerabilities, blocking criminal tools, tracing financial transactions, and expediting victim refunds. The government aims to ensure citizens can use digital services safely and with confidence.
In her statement, Ms. Lalida remarked, "Cyber threats are not just ordinary crimes but also pose a threat to economic security and public safety. The government is integrating all agencies, including the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, AMLO, NBTC, the Royal Thai Police, financial institutions, and telecommunications service providers, to tackle these crimes, reduce victimization, and build resilience in Thai society in the digital age."