Bangkok: The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has issued a directive to mobile phone companies to enforce stringent SIM card registration procedures. This move aims to protect mobile users, particularly children, following discoveries that SIM cards are being activated among minors, which could potentially be exploited for illegal activities.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Trairat Wiriyasirikul, Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General of the NBTC, announced that the commission had distributed a circular to all mobile phone operators. This circular mandates the enforcement of robust SIM card registration measures after identifying cases where SIM cards were activated for individuals under 18 years old. These cases involved multiple activations, raising concerns about the potential for misuse without the minors' awareness.

The directive outlines several key measures: SIM registration must reflect the user's intention and be used solely for telecommunications services. Mobile service providers are tasked with supervising their personnel, ensuring compliance with NBTC regulations. If illegal activities are traced to a service point, the provider will be held accountable. Providers must verify and limit the age of registrants, requiring parental consent for those under 18 and documenting the consenting parent's information.

Additionally, service providers must upgrade their SIM registration systems by March 2026 to accommodate registrations for minors, during which time parental consent and information retention are mandatory. SIM card registration will be restricted to service points equipped with Smart Card Readers. Providers must also monitor minors with multiple SIM cards, suspending services for suspicious activities and reporting findings to the NBTC within three days.

The NBTC Secretary-General warned that any operators found neglecting these responsibilities could face legal action. The commission also urges parents to monitor their children's mobile usage and verify SIM card registrations within their families. The public is encouraged to report any irregularities to the NBTC hotline at 1200.