Thai authorities have conducted a crackdown on illegal bitcoin mining activities within the country, resulting in the seizure of nearly $2 million worth of equipment.
The operation, which targeted a disused ice factory in western Samut Sakhon city, unveiled 690 bitcoin-mining units, as revealed by Samut Sakhon City Police chief Pichetpong Changkaikhon.
The raid was prompted by suspiciously high electricity consumption, a hallmark of bitcoin mining operations, which have drawn criticism for their environmental impact due to the immense energy requirements. Among the seized items were an electrical transformer, laptops, and aluminium cables, highlighting the sophisticated infrastructure employed by illicit miners.
A Myanmar national was apprehended at the scene, with investigations ongoing to identify other individuals involved, including the factory owner and property leaseholder.
Just last week, the Technology Crime Suppression Division raided two additional locations, seizing a total of 652 bitcoin mining machines valued at approximately $5 million. Illegal bitcoin mining continues to be a growing concern in Thailand, with authorities frequently alerted by abnormal power surges associated with mining activities.
