Thailand is on a mission to tackle illegal mining operations causing massive power outages in its capital, Bangkok, and neighboring areas.
In its latest campaign against these unregistered operations, the kingdom’s Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) announced that it has closed a illegal Bitcoin mining farm in the Phanat Nikhom district of Chonburi.
This time, the energy company worked with the Crime Suppression Division to raid the mining facilities, which were suspected of alter electricity meter for crypto mining purposes.
According to local reports, PEA and CSD officials Confiscated 996 Bitcoin mining machines. and similar equipment. A representative of the raid team said the crypto mining operations are powered by stolen energy worth hundreds of millions of baht.
Those responsible for the questionable crypto mining operations are unknown, but the CSD is preparing the necessary arrest warrants from the local court.
Image: The Nation
Illegal crypto mining remains a problem for Thai authorities
Cryptocurrency mining It is a complex technical process that requires high-end computers and related equipment. Because it requires enormous power and investment in advanced equipment, it is not surprising that many groups carry out illegal crypto mining operations.
In Thailand, several crypto mining operations have been established and many of them have been illegally disrupting the country’s electricity supply.
Last November 2024, Thai authorities raided and shut down at least nine illegal crypto mining operations and charged two people with stealing more than $280,000 worth of electricity.
In 2022, the Bangkok Special Investigation Department also carried out raids against more than 50 illegal crypto mining operations.
Image: The Nation
Chonburi mining operator illegally tapped local power supply
According to local reports, an unidentified employee of the mining company notified authorities about the possible theft of electricity at the facility. Officials said the facility correctly used the electricity meter daily to avoid suspicion and switching to illegal outlets at night.
Police Major General Montree Theskhan of the Crime Suppression Division said the company was registered for digital asset trading. However, it also operated crypto mining rigs that illegally used the state’s power supply at night.
Investigations also revealed that solar panels were added to the complex, but were not used to power the mining platforms.
Illegal crypto mining operations also reported in other countries
Unregistered Bitcoin mining facilities also operate in various parts of the world. For example, in its October 2024 report, Malaysia’s largest energy supplier reported more than $100 million in losses due to theft.
These illegal crypto mining activities have pushed national governments to tighten regulations and launch campaigns against violators. Some governments have outright banned mining and technology to control its negative effects.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
