Bangkok: The government is stepping up its fight against cyber threats, implementing measures to control SIM cards and block SIM boxes.
According to Thai News Agency, the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is prioritizing the systematic suppression of cyber threats due to the increasing complexity and expansion of technology-related crimes such as online fraud, fake accounts, and fake SIM cards. These crimes pose a significant risk to life safety, property, and public trust.
Today, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has issued the Ministerial Regulation on Refund of Victims of Technology Crimes B.E. 2569 (2026). Published in the Royal Gazette on May 14, 2026, the regulation will take effect 90 days post-publication. It creates a mechanism for financial institutions, businesses, and related agencies to report suspicious transactions to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) via an electronic system, facilitating rapid and systematic investigations into financial transactions related to technology crimes.
The regulation mandates that when cybercrime-related transactions are detected, or digital funds and assets are suspended, the relevant agency must report to AMLO. AMLO will investigate, publicize account information, allow victims to file claims for refunds, and permit objections from related parties within a set timeframe. The Cybercrime Transaction Committee will then decide on the return of money or digital assets based on evidence and the financial trail.
Additionally, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has introduced measures for telecommunications licensees to prevent cybercrime. These measures limit the registration of mobile numbers for non-Thai nationals to three per service provider and require in-person registration to prevent the use of SIM cards as tools for online fraud. SIM BOX devices connecting four or more SIM cards to networks without permission are prohibited, and the use of Thailand-registered IP addresses for inappropriate foreign services is banned. Service providers must retain user data for 180 days for legal proceedings, and deny additional phone number registration to those in cybercrime databases.
Ms. Lalida emphasized that these measures reflect the government's comprehensive approach to addressing cyber threats, aiming to ensure citizens can use digital and telecommunication services with confidence and safety. The government is determined to integrate efforts across various agencies, including the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, AMLO, NBTC, the Royal Thai Police, financial institutions, and telecommunications service providers, to combat cybercrime, reduce victimization, and build resilience in Thai society as it navigates the digital age.