Mule accounts in Thailand, here’s how much they cost and how they work:
The Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes (PSTC) Committee, led by Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong, has made significant progres in combating cybercrime. During the second phase of its operation in May, the committee shut down over 815,000 mule accounts and executed numerous high-profile arrests, targeting online fraud and deception schemes.
The operations, running from May 1 to 31, saw the closure of 815,873 mule accounts – including 344,079 by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), 300,000 by banks, and 171,794 by the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC). This effort was part of a broader mandate issued by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin under the 2023 Royal Decree aimed at curbing technology crimes, particularly the rise in scams perpetrated by call-center gangs.
Mule Accounts and SIM Cards: Easier Than You Think—But Increasingly Challenging
These days, finding mule accounts isn’t as hard as it might seem. Typically, mule banking accounts belong to older Thai people or those in poorer rural areas. Insider sources reveal that these accounts are sold for around 60,000 THB annually, giving criminals access to use them for illicit purposes. On the SIM card side, many are purchased from small-time criminals linked to Myanmar immigrants, who register SIM cards under their names for as little as 150 THB per card and market price are 400-500 thb per sim card.
A significant number of these mule accounts are connected to online gambling rings and scam centers. The structure of these operations is often simple and could be dismantled easily if it weren’t for the sheer volume of accounts available. This growing pool of mule accounts not only supports illegal activities but also makes it difficult for authorities to completely shut down such operations. New structures and website can be set up in a matter of few days.
Mule accounts have also become a straightforward way to launder money. According to insider sources, a single individual can move up to 3,000,000 THB in cash per week through multiple accounts. This trend shows that money laundering techniques are returning to basics. The real challenge, however, is the sheer number of these accounts that remain available, making it harder to fully control.
That being said, it’s getting tougher to get your hands on these accounts or SIM cards. The government’s crackdown on scams has made it increasingly difficult. This creates a bit of a challenge for investigators who rely on anonymous SIM cards to carry out their work. Navigating this new environment can be tricky, but at Compliancia, we’re always one step ahead and can navigate these hurdles effectively without compromising on our goals.
Mobile SIM Card Crackdown: The panel also made significant strides in tackling SIM cards linked to mule mobile banking. As of May 26, more than 42,000 SIM cards making over 100 calls per day were suspended, with authorities identifying a further 5 million numbers owned by individuals holding excessive amounts of SIM cards. Among these, 2.3 million numbers have been suspended after the owners failed to verify their identities.
Looking forward, the authorities have set a deadline of July 13 for owners of multiple SIM cards to clarify their use of such numbers. The PSTC’s coordinated approach is being strengthened through a new memorandum of understanding between key agencies, including the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, DSI, and AMLO, to further suppress cybercrime.
Signal Jammers in Thailand: Illegal, but thriving on the black market
In a recent high-profile bust, Thai police arrested two Chinese nationals for using signal jammers to aid in car thefts, shedding light on a growing underground market for such devices in Thailand. Although signal jammers are strictly prohibited under Thai law—since any device emitting a signal must be inspected and approved by customs—the black market for these electronics continues to thrive. Signal jammers, particularly those purchased from China, are often smuggled into Thailand through travelers or border crossings with Malaysia and Laos, in small quantities to avoid detection. This trade ranges from one-off sellers to independent vendors dealing in limited stock, making enforcement even more challenging.
At its core, a signal jammer is a device designed to interfere with, block, or disrupt wireless communications by creating a frequency-free zone. From a consumer standpoint, these devices can block signals to prevent unwanted surveillance, making them useful for those who want to ensure their privacy in sensitive situations. They can prevent signals from traveling to listening devices, wireless cameras, or any equipment that uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile signals. In some cases, signal jammers are used to create private spaces free from electronic surveillance or to disrupt unwanted calls in public places.
On a larger scale, governments and military organizations use signal jammers for more critical security functions. These include preventing the detonation of remotely triggered bombs, jamming communication signals to disable drones in conflict zones, or securing sensitive locations like embassies and VIP motorcades from potential electronic attacks. Signal jammers are currently trending due to the evolution of warfare and espionage tactics, with an increasing reliance on drones, wireless technology, and cyber espionage. As such, the demand for these devices is not only rising among criminals but also within law enforcement and military sectors worldwide.
While signal jammers have clear defensive uses, they are also widely misused for illegal activities, particularly in car theft and home burglaries. For instance, in the recent case involving the Chinese nationals, signal jammers were used to block signals that lock vehicles remotely, allowing thieves to easily access and steal cars without alerting the owner. This is a growing trend among organized crime groups, as signal jammers enable them to bypass modern car security systems and steal vehicles with little effort. The process is fairly simple, and sadly can be done by most people nowadays, the tools and technique required are very affordable and can be easy to learn online. It would only cost about 600 USD in equipment in order to steal a car discreetly.
Moreover, these devices are frequently used in high-risk home invasions, where criminals will jam the wireless signals of security cameras before breaking in. By doing so, they can disable any video surveillance, giving them a window of opportunity to carry out their plans undetected.
Even more worrying is the offensive use of signal technology, where criminals not only jam signals but also copy them. For example, a car key signal can be intercepted and replicated, allowing thieves to later unlock the vehicle remotely and either steal it or plant a GPS tracker or listening device. This method of signal copying poses a significant threat to both individuals and businesses, as criminals gain covert access to valuable assets without leaving a trace.
Despite the clear legal stance on signal jammers in Thailand, enforcing these regulations has proven difficult. The devices are often sold discreetly in small quantities, making it harder for authorities to track and crack down on suppliers. With the influx of electronics coming through Thai borders, especially from neighboring countries like Malaysia and Laos, keeping illegal devices out of the country becomes a logistical challenge. Even though Thai customs are tasked with monitoring devices capable of emitting signals, the market continues to find ways to bring in and distribute signal jammers.
Additionally, the rise of cyber espionage and evolving criminal tactics means that jammers have become a tool for not just petty theft but also for more sophisticated operations, where signal manipulation and data interception are part of larger criminal strategies.
At Compliancia, we understand the growing risks posed by signal jammers, and we have the expertise to combat them. Our team is highly experienced in dealing with the threats of signal jamming and copying technology. We offer Technical Counter-Surveillance Measures (TCSM) in Thailand, designed to detect and neutralize these threats effectively. Whether you’re a business concerned about espionage, a VIP needing secure protection, or an organization looking to prevent signal-based intrusions, Compliancia has cutting-edge solutions to safeguard against these evolving risks.
Potential changes in land ownership laws for Foreigners in Thailand: What you need to know
The question of whether foreigners can own land in Thailand has resurfaced, with recent discussions hinting at possible reforms. Historically, foreign land ownership has been strictly forbidden, a stance that remains in place today. However, for years, foreigners have sought to circumvent this law through a so-called loophole by using Thai proxies or setting up businesses in which Thai nationals hold the majority of shares. While this method has been popular, it is important to remember that Thai law can swiftly declare these arrangements illegal, especially if any disputes arise.
This issue often becomes apparent in cases of divorce, where foreigners involved in marriages with Thai nationals attempt to retain land assets through proxy arrangements. Similarly, asset discovery missions frequently uncover land registered in the name of a proxy, only for the arrangement to be nullified when challenged in court. At Compliancia, we’ve seen this scenario play out many times during our investigations, especially when the stakes are high in legal battles over property ownership. Recent news suggests that the Thai government may be reconsidering foreign ownership of land, as evidenced by discussions and legislative proposals over the years. Some proposals have considered allowing foreigners to own land under certain conditions, such as for business investments, retirement purposes, or with significant financial input into the Thai economy. Despite these conversations, the reality is that no formal changes have been made yet, and ownership remains highly restricted.
The risks associated with trying to bypass these restrictions through proxies or other means are substantial. Once trouble arises—whether in the form of legal disputes, business conflicts, or personal issues like divorce—these “loopholes” are quickly ruled illegal under Thai law. This is particularly relevant when conducting asset discovery, where properties are found in the name of a Thai proxy but cannot be claimed by the foreign owner when the situation turns sour.
If changes to foreign ownership laws do come into effect, it will require a significant review of real estate structures and legal frameworks across the country. Law firms, property developers, and real estate investors will need to reassess their strategies, ensuring compliance with new regulations while maintaining protections for their clients. This could also impact existing proxy arrangements, making it more important than ever for legal professionals and property owners to stay informed.
Furthermore, this evolving legal landscape underscores the importance of being proactive. Due diligence investigators need to be aware of the latest techniques used by individuals and companies to skirt regulations. From tracking ownership patterns to uncovering hidden assets, investigators must stay up-to-date on the legal and structural changes in the real estate sector. Compliancia’s experience in handling complex asset discovery cases, particularly those involving proxies and land ownership disputes, provides us with the expertise to navigate these intricate situations.
Clients, especially those involved in high-value real estate transactions, must also understand that the legal and regulatory landscape in Thailand is constantly shifting. Whether you are purchasing property, entering into a business arrangement, or considering personal investments, your vulnerability to changes in law or proxy-related disputes remains a critical issue. Preventative measures, such as employing counter-surveillance and having a thorough understanding of your own private ecosystem, are essential to minimizing risks.
At Compliancia, we emphasize the importance of identifying weaknesses in your legal and financial structures before they can be exploited. Our investigative techniques, tailored to the latest developments in Thai law, ensure that you remain secure and compliant, no matter how the regulations shift.
As discussions on land ownership for foreigners continue, it’s clear that Thailand’s legal environment is far from static. Whether or not these laws change, ensuring that your assets and real estate transactions are legally sound and protected from potential loopholes or disputes is crucial.
Uber’s Audio Recording Feature: A New Era of Safety or a Threat to Privacy?
Uber’s recent introduction of audio recording during rides aims to enhance the safety of both riders and drivers, a move that is being adopted in various regions across the world. While this initiative is framed as a step toward greater transparency and protection, it raises significant concerns, particularly for individuals who may be targets of espionage or those at high risk.
In theory, recording rides ensures that incidents can be reviewed objectively, but the reality is more complicated. Although Uber asserts that recordings are encrypted and won’t be shared without the consent of both parties, there are questions about who may ultimately have access. What happens if these recordings are requested by government agencies or used in insurance cases? Could this technology end up being harmful?
For those who value privacy, this new feature changes the game. Riders and drivers can record each other without verbal notice, meaning private conversations in cars may no longer be as secure. And what if the driver is compromised? The possibility of these recordings being misused is concerning, especially when considering potential breaches or requests from third parties, such as private companies in legal cases.
While the intention is clear—to enhance safety—the covert nature of this technology raises serious questions. Uber and other tech companies maintain that these recordings are protected, but the lines between security, privacy, and surveillance are becoming increasingly blurred. As the use of audio recording grows, so too does the need for vigilance in how this data is managed and used.
At Compliancia, we recognize the importance of balancing safety with privacy, especially for those who need to protect themselves from unwanted attention. The evolving landscape of surveillance technology requires a keen awareness of both its benefits and its risks.