Key Takeaways
- Thai authorities seized 63 illegal Bitcoin mining rigs in Pathum Thani.
- The mining operation stole over $327,000 in electricity.
- Officials traced the operation to a luxury home in Bangkok.
Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) seized 63 illegal Bitcoin mining rigs on Friday after locals in Pathum Thani province reported unexplained electricity thefts.
The mining equipment, valued at around 2 million baht ($60,000), was discovered in three abandoned houses, according to a report by The Nation.
Financial impact
Authorities estimate that the illicit mining operations led to losses exceeding 11 million baht ($327,000) for the Metropolitan Electricity Authority.
The high-energy consumption of the mining rigs, which were controlled remotely, also posed a significant fire hazard due to the absence of on-site supervision.
Confiscated equipment
In addition to the mining rigs, officials confiscated controllers, routers, internet signal boosters, modified electricity meters, computers, and bank passbooks.
No arrests were made, but investigators traced the operation to a luxury residence in Bangkok’s Khan Na Yao district, for which they have requested a search warrant.
Ongoing issues with illegal mining
Thailand has faced persistent illegal Bitcoin mining activities.
In January, officials seized 996 illicit mining rigs in the Phanat Nikhom district.
In November 2024, nine illegal Bitcoin mining farms in Surat Thani province were shut down after stealing nearly $300,000 worth of electricity.
Crackdown on unlicensed operations
Authorities continue to crack down on unlicensed mining operations, which not only cause financial losses but also increase the risk of electrical hazards and outages.
