Thailand Seizes 63 Illegal Mining Rigs for Power Theft

According to reports from The Nation, Thai authorities have successfully seized 63 illegal cryptocurrency mining rigs. The equipment, valued at USD 60,000, was found in Pathum Thani province.

The Central Investigation Unit (CIB) conducted the raid after reports from residents, who had reported thefts of electricity from light poles. According to locals, the stolen power was suspected to be used for cryptocurrency mining operations.

Thailand Represses Illegal Mining

The report states that these illegal operations have caused the Metropolitan Electricity Authority losses in excess of $327 million in electricity bills, due to the high energy consumption required by cryptocurrency mining.

In addition to the mining rigs, the CIB confiscated three routers, mining controllers, three internet signal amplifiers, modified electricity meters, a laptop, a desktop and two bank books. However, no one was arrested as the operations were run remotely.

The entire business was linked to a luxurious home located at Ram-Indra Soi 65, in Khan Na Yao district. Authorities applied for a search warrant to identify the person responsible for the operations. In addition to the theft of electricity, officers pointed to the risk of fire, as the activity was not subject to human monitoring.

In Thailand, cryptocurrency miners are considered producers and mining is legal if carried out in compliance with regulations. However, illegal operations in the country have always been widespread.

In a similar case, in January authorities seized 996 Bitcoin mining facilities in the Phanat Nikhom district. In another incident, in November 2024, they shut down nine illegal mining farms in the province of Surat Thani. In August, however, residents' reports of electricity theft in the Bangkok region led to the discovery of illegal Bitcoin mining operations.

These events highlight the extent of illegal mining in Thailand. Although Bitcoin mining is considered legitimate, some are taking advantage of it to create illicit operations that impact the national economy. Continued operations by federal authorities show that Thailand is taking active measures to stop these activities.