Bank of Thailand Addresses Concerns Over High Cash Withdrawals Linked to Mule Account Freezing

Bangkok: The Bank of Thailand has addressed concerns regarding the unusually high number of cash withdrawals observed in September 2025, attributing the phenomenon to apprehensions about the freezing of mule accounts.

According to Thai News Agency, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) clarified that these heightened cash withdrawals were a temporary reaction to the expansion of measures aimed at freezing fraudulent accounts, prompting individuals to withdraw and store cash for spending purposes rather than relying on online transactions. Additionally, numerous retailers began to accept cash payments during this period. The BOT emphasized that this situation was short-lived, as public payment patterns have returned to normal since October.

In light of the upcoming election, the BOT is maintaining vigilance over potential increases in cash supply. The institution is committed to managing cash reserves effectively to align with levels from the previous year, ensuring they meet the actual spending needs of the public, particularly during periods of typically increased demand such as the Chinese New Year. The BOT has also coordinated efforts with commercial banks to monitor unusual cash withdrawals closely and report any findings to the BOT.