Thai Authorities Uncover Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operation Amid Power Outage Complaints
In a recent crackdown on unauthorized cryptocurrency activities, Thai authorities have successfully raided an illegal Bitcoin mining operation in Ratchaburi, a town located west of Bangkok. The raid, which took place on August 23, 2024, was prompted by numerous complaints from local residents who had been experiencing frequent power outages for over a month.
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and local police initiated an investigation in mid-July after receiving reports of unexplained blackouts in the area. Their efforts led them to a single house that was consuming an unusually high amount of electricity. Upon inspection, authorities discovered Bitcoin mining equipment that was allegedly operating without proper registration or full payment for the electricity used.
Jamnong Chanwong, the chief district security officer, stated, “We found Bitcoin mining rigs, indicating that people were using this house to operate a mine and consuming power they didn’t fully pay for.” He added that while electricity consumption records for the property showed significant usage, the occupants had only paid for a small fraction of it.
The house had reportedly been rented by a company for approximately four months, coinciding with the onset of power outages in mid-July when the mining operation is believed to have become fully operational. Authorities attempted to enter the premises on August 22 but were initially denied access by a guard. When they returned the following day with a search warrant, they found that most of the equipment had been removed.
This incident marks the fourth time in 2024 that authorities have raided an illegal Bitcoin mining operation in Ratchaburi province. In Thailand, Bitcoin miners are classified as manufacturers and are required to pay associated taxes. However, illegal mining activities have been on the rise in recent years, posing challenges for local power grids and potentially increasing electricity costs for legitimate consumers.
The raid highlights the ongoing struggle between authorities and unauthorized cryptocurrency operations in Southeast Asia. Countries in the region, including Malaysia, have also been cracking down on power theft associated with Bitcoin mining. Last week, Malaysian authorities reportedly destroyed nearly 1,000 Bitcoin mining machines worth approximately $452,500 as part of their efforts to combat illegal mining activities.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the Ratchaburi operation, and the investigation remains ongoing. Thai officials are working to identify the individuals responsible for the illegal mining activity and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
