Bangkok: The Senate Budget Monitoring Committee is set to summon relevant agencies to address concerns regarding the cyber police’s authority to freeze suspicious accounts without prior investigation, a move that may contravene constitutional rights and administrative orders. The committee has also warned of possible reporting to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) if clarity is not provided.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Alongkot Woraki, Chairman of the Senate Budget Monitoring Committee, highlighted the contentious issue surrounding the 2025 Technology Crime Suppression Act. This legislation empowers the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) to freeze suspicious accounts for three days, a measure Mr. Alongkot argues infringes on citizens’ constitutional rights. He emphasized that administrative orders to freeze accounts should involve notifying affected parties and allowing them to justify the source of their funds before any action is taken. Failure to do so, he noted, constitutes malfeasance, prompting the committee to invite officials from the Royal Thai Police, Cyber Police, and the Bank of Thailand for further discussions.
The committee also pointed out the broader implications of account freezes, using a case from Nakhon Phanom Province as an example. It encouraged victims to file complaints against officials for misconduct that led to financial losses. While compensation remains a civil and criminal matter, victims are urged to pursue legal action, with the committee ready to escalate the issue to the NACC.
Further elaborating on the legality of account freezes, Mr. Alongkot stressed that such actions must adhere to the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires obtaining consent from the account holder before enforcement. He underscored the principle of presumed innocence, calling for thorough investigations prior to any account seizure.
Ms. Pinyaphat Sansaneeyawiwin, Deputy Spokesperson for the Budget Monitoring Committee, noted the public unrest caused by the account freezes, leading to increased cash withdrawals. She clarified that the freezes are temporary suspensions of suspicious funds, lasting three days by banks and up to seven by police. If no wrongdoing is found, funds are returned to the account holder.
The committee expressed concern over the impact of these suspensions, urging agencies to survey the situation and address public fears. Reports of insufficient funds at cash points highlight potential risks to the national financial system, exacerbated by unresponsive hotlines.
To address these issues, the committee proposed urgent measures, including expediting the unfreezing of innocent accounts within 1-2 days, establishing compensation standards for affected individuals, and fostering transparency through collaboration among police, banks, and related agencies. The committee warned that prolonged delays in resolving account freezes could undermine economic confidence.