Bangkok: The Ministry of Interior and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) are intensifying their crackdown on illegal Bitcoin mining operations nationwide. They raided 14 locations across five provinces, seizing 315 mining machines and causing damages exceeding 40 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government prioritizes the prevention and suppression of illegal electricity usage, which affects the stability of the power system, causes damage to the state, and increases the overall cost burden for electricity users. Recently, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and related agencies, has been seriously investigating and cracking down on illegal electricity usage for cryptocurrency mining.
The deputy spokesperson stated that Mr. Polpeera Suwannachawi, Deputy Minister of Interior, chaired a press conference on the results of the investigation and suppression of illegal electricity usage for cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) mining. This was a result of cooperation between the Provincial Electricity Authority, the Department of Provincial Administration, the Royal Thai Police, and other relevant agencies, through integrated data sharing and proactive operations to investigate abnormal electricity usage in targeted areas.
This operation involved searching 14 target locations in five provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Roi Et, and Maha Sarakham. The inspections revealed illegal activities involving tampering with electricity meters and bypassing meters to power cryptocurrency mining equipment. This is illegal and impacts the stability of the electricity distribution system.
Authorities seized a total of 315 cryptocurrency mining machines and estimated the total damage at approximately 40.38 million baht. This includes 5.38 million baht in fines for electricity violations and approximately 35 million baht for electricity unit upgrades. The Provincial Electricity Authority has gathered evidence and filed charges against all involved parties.
Ms. Lalida stated that illegally using electricity for cryptocurrency mining is not only against the law but also results in energy loss for the country, affects the efficiency of the power system, and creates a cost burden for law-abiding electricity users. Therefore, the government continuously prioritizes suppressing such activities.
The government will continue to integrate the work of all relevant agencies to seriously investigate and suppress all forms of electricity theft, coupled with developing a more efficient electricity usage monitoring system, in order to maintain energy security, ensure fairness for electricity users nationwide, and protect the long-term interests of the state, Ms. Lalida said.