Effective February 1, 2025, Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) mandates that mobile banking users ensure the name registered on their SIM card matches the name on their bank account.

This initiative aims to combat online fraud involving 'ghost' SIM cards and 'mule' bank accounts.

DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong reported that, as of November 2024, out of over 120 million mobile numbers screened, approximately 75.8 million had matching SIM card and bank account names.

However, around 30.9 million numbers had discrepancies, and about 13.5 million had lost SIM owner data.

Starting February 1, mobile banking users with unmatched names or lost SIM data will receive notifications via their banking applications.

They are required to update their information with banks or mobile operators by April 30 to prevent account suspension.

Users without such notifications are not required to take any action.

Exceptions apply to mobile numbers registered by public agencies.

Businesses and individuals facing challenges in updating their data, such as persons with disabilities, should prepare necessary documentation to request exemptions.

This measure is part of a broader effort to enhance security in the mobile banking sector, including the implementation of biometric authentication for certain transactions.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has clarified that mobile banking services will continue to operate normally during the verification process.

Users are advised to ensure their SIM card registration details align with their bank account information to avoid future service disruptions.