Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister, Prasert Jantararuangtong, announced plans to amend an executive decree aimed at combatting cybercrime and safeguarding victims.

The proposed amendment, currently under review by the Council of State, is expected to be published in the Royal Gazette this month.

The changes respond to growing concerns about online fraud and its financial impact, particularly related to call center scams.

Under the new regulations, banks, phone operators, and social media companies could be held liable for damages resulting from scams if found negligent or reckless.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and telecom operators would be required to suspend SIM cards linked to fraudulent activities.

Furthermore, the draft amendment would allow the committee overseeing money transactions under the Anti-Money Laundering Act to return stolen funds to victims without waiting for court rulings.

Penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of personal data will increase, with violators facing up to five years in prison or fines up to five million baht.

The DES Ministry has also been investigating the ownership of SIM cards tied to fraudulent activities, aiming to address the use of proxy or mule bank accounts.

Authorities have already suspended over 1.6 million bank accounts suspected of involvement in fraud, urging account holders to close these accounts to avoid legal consequences.

The crackdown on mule accounts continues, with stringent penalties for those found using bank accounts for illicit activities.