Bangkok: The government is intensifying its efforts against "money mule accounts" by freezing them immediately and ensuring that funds are returned to victims without waiting for a court ruling. According to Thai News Agency, the government is advancing its crackdown on scammers by implementing enhanced measures to block "mock accounts," centralize databases, and expedite the return of funds to victims through the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) system, effective from August 12, 2026.
Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government is committed to strengthening its fight against scammers. This includes upgrading measures to block fraudulent "mock accounts," centralizing databases, and fostering public immunity against scams. The Committee on Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crime has reviewed draft guidelines for announcing and revoking the names of individuals involved in technology crime and guidelines for data integration among relevant agencies under the Technology Crime Prevention and Suppression Act.
Ms. Ploytalee emphasized that the draft guidelines aim to enhance the crackdown on mule accounts. Once identified, all transaction channels for a mule account will be suspended, and the account will be blacklisted from opening new bank accounts. Proactive measures will be taken to suspend high-risk accounts, even in the absence of victim complaints, to prevent illicit fund transfers. Data indicates a rising trend of scammers deceiving children and youth into opening bank accounts, prompting the Bank of Thailand to establish guidelines limiting daily transfer/payment amounts for youth aged 12-18, expected to be finalized by October 2026.
The guidelines for refunding victims under the Ministerial Regulation will accelerate the process for victims to request refunds through the AMLO system without waiting for a court order. This aims for timely implementation before the Ministerial Regulation takes effect on August 12, 2026. AMLO will collaborate with various agencies, including the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Royal Thai Police, to implement comprehensive measures within 90 days, targeted for completion by September 2026.
Ms. Ploytalee also addressed concerns about the potential impact on innocent citizens, assuring that individuals with unintentionally suspended accounts can contact the AOC hotline for verification and swift account reactivation. She added that any individual found involved in fraudulent activities will face immediate suspension of accounts across all banks.