Bangkok: The Prime Minister has emphasized that GDP must grow by more than 2.5% and warned that those involved in illegal Bitcoin mining operations will face full legal action. The Prime Minister summoned key ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaiyanok Chidchob, at Government House to discuss economic and legal matters.

According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister urged Mr. Ekniti and Mr. Chaiyanok to ensure the GDP growth remains above 2.5%, following a positive trend in the GDP growth chart. The discussions were prompted by the reported 2.5% GDP growth in the fourth quarter, and the Prime Minister expressed optimism for further improvement in the next quarter.

The Prime Minister also addressed the issue of illegal Bitcoin mining using electricity unlawfully. He instructed Minister of Justice Pol. Gen. Ruddhaphol Nawarat to take stringent legal action against those involved in such operations. The illegal activities in Samut Sakhon province, which involved an assistant governor of the Provincial Electricity Authority and a deputy regional manager, led to significant electricity cost losses.

The Prime Minister's directive was clear: all parties involved in the illegal use of electricity for cryptocurrency mining should be brought to justice. The meeting concluded with Mr. Anutin leaving Government House at 5:00 PM without addressing the media.