Thailand has rolled out a tough new emergency decree, effective April 13th, 2025, compelling financial institutions, telecom operators, and social media platforms to step up their game in combating scams.
The move, announced by Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, aims to shield citizens from the growing menace of tech-driven fraud, particularly those exploiting digital and phone channels.
Under the decree, banks and businesses are now mandated to disclose details of accounts and transactions flagged for potential scam activity, with immediate freezes on suspicious operations. Telecom providers face pressure to filter out dubious SMS messages, while the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission is tasked with halting scam-linked services outright.
Failure to comply comes with steep penalties: companies could face fines of up to THB500,000 ($15,000), and individuals responsible for lapses might see up to a year in prison, a THB100,000 ($3,000) fine, or both. The law also cracks down on unregistered mobile subscribers and the misuse of deceased individuals’ data for scams, with similar penalties in place.
In a parallel development, Thailand has tightened its grip on digital asset exchanges. Foreign platforms must now secure licenses to operate locally, aligning with the decree’s effective date.
This step mirrors global trends, with countries like Singapore implementing shared responsibility frameworks. Thailand’s authorities are signaling zero tolerance for negligence in the fight against cybercrime, putting the onus on key industries to protect consumers or face the consequences.
