Ayrin revealed that the government is continuing its crackdown on 'horse SIMs,' emphasizing that those hired to activate them face up to 3 years in prison and fines of up to 300,000 baht. Those involved in organizing, advertising, or soliciting the sale, rental, or lending of SIM cards face up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to 500,000 baht.
On 8 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ayrin Panrit, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that
the government is integrating collaborative efforts to combat cybercrime, a serious threatthatcauses significant harm to the nation and its people, especially damage resulting from call center scams. Some Thai individuals have been involved in deceiving fellow citizens by being hired to open 'horse' accounts. She urged the public, especially youth, not to accept small payments to open SIM cards or provide personal information to criminals, who then use these numbers to commit online crimes.
Ms. Ayrin said the penalties and fines underthe lawfor hiring someone to open SIM cards or allowing others to use SIMs registered in their name carry high risks of violating the 2023 Royal Decree on Measures to Prevent and Suppress Technology Crime (Amended Edition No. 2, 2025) if it is proven that the phone numbers were used to commit offenses.
“The law clearly stipulates that owners of 'horse SIMs' may face imprisonment up to 3 years, fines up to 300,000 baht, or both. Meanwhile, those who organize, advertise, or solicit the sale, rental, or lending of SIM cards, bank accounts, electronic cards, or e-money accounts face heavier penalties: imprisonment from 2 to 5 years, fines from 200,000 to 500,000 baht, or both,” Ayrin emphasized.
The government and relevant agencies are continuing their crackdown on 'horse SIMs' and urge the public not to allow others to use their personal information or facial scans to register SIM cards on their behalf under any circumstances. If anyone discovers their name has been used to register a SIM without permission or has information about online criminals, they can report it through the online system at thaipoliceonline or call the 24-hour hotline 1441 of the Anti Online Scam Operation Center (AOC).