Thailand Shuts Down Illegal Bitcoin Mining Farm for Electricity Theft, Seizing Equipment, and Intensifies Efforts to Prevent Future Thefts

Thai Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) recently shut down a Bitcoin mining farm for stealing electricity. This followed an investigation with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD).

Thailand shuts down illegal Bitcoin mining farm, seizes equipment over electricity theftProvincial Electricity Authority (PEA) officials, accompanied by Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers, visited the site in Phanat Nikhom district on Thursday. They found 996 Bitcoin mining machines and other devices.

Authorities estimate the electricity pilfered by the illegal Bitcoin mining operation was worth hundreds of millions of baht. However, they have not yet calculated the precise amount.

According to a staff member at the mining operation, the electricity theft occurred at night, while during the day, the power meter was used normally. This tactic was employed to avoid suspicion and allow the operation to continue for an extended period.

Bitcoin miners use powerful computers to solve complex problems, which creates new Bitcoins. However, the process consumes vast amounts of electricity.

Thailand steps up efforts to prevent illegal Bitcoin miningProvincial authorities have yet to identify the company or individuals involved in the illegal operation. They will seek court warrants for their arrest, and the PEA is examining options to hold the culprits accountable.

This is not the first instance of illegal Bitcoin mining being uncovered in Thailand. In August, another illegal mining farm was raided by authorities, bringing the total number of raids to 32 in Bangkok and Ratchaburi, a province west of the capital.

The area had experienced several weeks of power outages prior to the raid, with numerous residents complaining about the electricity disruptions. An investigation by the authorities revealed that the outages were caused by the illegal mining operation.

Officials acted to shut down the operation and prevent further abuse of electricity resources.

These incidents highlight the growing problem of illegal Bitcoin mining in Thailand, with the electricity consumed by the mining process impacting the country's power supply. Authorities are now placing greater emphasis on preventing such illegal operations from taking place.

The PEA is exploring methods to enhance monitoring of Bitcoin mining activity, ensuring that power meters are not tampered with and that individuals are adhering to the law. These measures are aimed at protecting Thailand's electricity resources from further theft.