Prime Minister Anutin announced the government's offensive crackdown on illegal crypto mining operations illicitly using public electricity. Seven sites were raided, ordering the DSI to expand asset seizures and trace the backers, while planning measures to block technological equipment.
On 23 July 2026 at Santimaitri Building, Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul held a press conference with the DSI announcing the launch of Operation Silent Volt, raiding seven sites to dismantle networks illegally using electricity for digital currency mining.
Prime Minister Anutin said the government prioritizes combating economic and technological crimes in all forms, especially illegal electricity use for digital currency mining, which exploits society, damages state property, destabilizes the electrical system, and undermines confidence in the country's law enforcement. The government has instructed all relevant agencies—including the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Provincial Electricity Authority, security agencies, and law enforcement—to collaborate closely to investigate, expand the case, and prosecute offenders thoroughly, whether operators, financiers, or implicated government officials, without exceptions or discrimination. The government's approach is not merely to arrest or seize evidence but to cut the economic crime network by using legal tools for prosecution, asset tracking, and tracing the networks behind the crimes to prevent recurrence.
He added that the government supports technology use and the digital economy conducted transparently and fairly under the law but will not tolerate technology or channels used to illegally exploit state resources or harm the economy and public utilities.
Therefore, the public can be assured that the government will continue strict and consistent law enforcement alongside enhanced surveillance and proactive inspections to protect national interests, maintain energy security, and create a fair business environment for all law-abiding operators. Today, together with the Minister of Justice, DSI Director-General, Provincial Electricity Authority Governor, and Director of the Technology and Information Crime Division, we have data to announce the mission involving raids at seven locations to dismantle illegal electricity use for digital currency mining. Significant assets have been seized after operations conducted over some time. The greatest damage stems from illegal direct connections to transformers using public electricity, which consumes vast amounts of power. We must fully act to seize assets because these are valuable only when used in business transactions; if dismantled or sold, their worth plummets due to rapid technological changes and susceptibility to damage. Anyone supporting offenders, clients, or government officials who permit illegal electricity use causing such extensive damage will be prosecuted, and their assets and funds will be seized by the state to compensate for the harm caused.
Additionally, the government has instructed the Customs Department and Ministry of Finance to establish regulations banning imports of crypto mining equipment, which are certainly not manufactured in Thailand. They must verify whether imports are lawful and that the declared purposes match actual use, as all data are recorded in systems subject to verification.
The Prime Minister said the Ministry of Justice and DSI have been vigorously executing this mission, successfully dismantling illegal Bitcoin mining networks continuously. When appropriate, they will publicly report on the operational results.
The government reaffirms it will fully enforce the law against such offenses and swiftly bring offenders to justice. The public is urged to trust government efforts and the cooperation of all agencies involved. There is confidence that all related parties will be traced and prosecuted as evasion of scrutiny is impossible.
The Prime Minister also warned those engaged in such businesses to cease their actions, as inspections will intensify continuously. Both administrative and police officials in all areas will jointly extend investigations and track violations, leaving no escape from legal enforcement.
He further cautioned the public against being deceived into investing in illegal businesses, as besides risking prosecution, they may lose substantial assets with no possibility of compensation. Those wishing to invest should choose lawful businesses to maintain and build their financial security and avoid falling victim to fraudsters, as once money is lost, recovery is almost impossible.
