Bangkok: The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has taken decisive measures to combat cybercrime, ordering the closure of over 23,057 fraudulent SIM cards suspected of being involved in technology-related crimes throughout December 2025. These numbers accounted for approximately 2,400,000 outgoing calls.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Trairat Wiriyasirikul, Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General of the NBTC, disclosed that, in collaboration with mobile service providers, the commission has been actively screening phone numbers exhibiting unusual usage patterns. Upon discovering significant volumes of outgoing calls concentrated in specific areas, the NBTC acted swiftly to suspend these numbers, suspecting their use in cybercriminal activities. The findings from December 2015 alone led to the suspension of over 23,057 phone numbers.
Mr. Trairat further explained that the NBTC has long been implementing measures to curb technology-related crimes. Mobile phone service providers are required to monitor and report any unusual phone usage weekly to the NBTC. Investigative criteria include behaviors such as making numerous outgoing calls daily and consistently contacting the same areas. Numbers meeting these criteria are immediately suspended, pending verification of their registration and identity confirmation by the user. Failure to comply results in contract termination.
The December 2025 inspections revealed suspicious activities concentrated in provinces bordering Thailand, such as Nong Khai, Narathiwat, Sa Kaeo, and Chiang Rai. From December 1st to 7th, 2025, 8,034 numbers were identified with unusual outgoing calls, totaling over 849,347 calls. Consequently, mobile service providers were instructed to shut down these numbers.
In Bangkok, 207 phone numbers were deactivated after investigations revealed 3,197 outgoing calls across districts including Bang Khen, Bang Khun Thian, Khlong Sam Wa, Bang Khae, and Bang Rak. The NBTC has reported these findings to the Royal Thai Police to identify suspected areas where SIMBOX devices might be used for fraudulent calls. This collaboration is intended to facilitate raids and arrests, with several apprehensions already made.