Bangkok: Hiring someone to operate a "sim card" (a type of automated system) carries a maximum prison sentence of 3 years. Ms. Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government is integrating cooperation to combat cybercrime, a serious threat that causes significant damage to the nation and its people. In particular, she highlighted the damage caused by call center scams, in which some Thais are involved by opening fake bank accounts. She strongly warned the public, especially young people, not to be tempted by small payments to open SIM cards or provide personal information to criminals who then use these numbers to commit online crimes.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Airin stated that the penalties and fines under the law for hiring someone to open a SIM card or allowing someone else to use a SIM card registered in one's own name pose a high risk of being considered an offense under the Technology Crime Prevention and Suppression Act B.E. 2566 (amended version No. 2 B.E. 2568) if it can be proven that the phone number in question was used to commit a crime.

'The law clearly stipulates the penalties. Owners of fraudulent SIM cards may face imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 300,000 baht, or both. Those who procure, advertise, or solicit the purchase, rental, or lending of SIM cards, bank accounts, electronic cards, or electronic money accounts face heavier penalties: imprisonment from 2 to 5 years or a fine from 200,000 to 500,000 baht, or both,' Ms. Airin emphasized.

The government and related agencies are continuing their crackdown on unauthorized SIM card registrations and are urging the public to refrain from using their personal information or facial scans to register SIM cards on their behalf. If you discover that your name and surname have been used to register a SIM card without your permission, or if you have any information about online fraud, you can report it online via thaipoliceonline or call the 24-hour hotline 1441 of the Anti Online Scam Operation Center (AOC).