Bitcoin mining raid uncovers major power theft

LAMPANG — 16 May 2026, Thai authorities raided an alleged illegal bitcoin mining operation in northern Thailand after discovering suspected electricity theft that caused losses estimated at more than 3 million baht ($81,000), officials said.

Provincial Electricity Authority officials and police officers executed a court-approved search at a commercial building in Lampang province after reports of abnormal electrical activity.

Investigators said neighbouring buildings experienced overheating electrical cables that began melting, prompting authorities to inspect the area.

Officals later discovered illegal connections to the main electricity supply allegedly used to power cryptocurrency mining equipment inside the building.

According to the Provincial Electricity Authority, the building's recorded monthly electricity bill was only about 400 baht ($11), despite evidence of extremely high power consumption.

Authorities began surveillance on the evening of 15 May but were unable to enter the property until obtaining a search warrant the following morning.

During the raid, officers found numerous bitcoin mining machines operating on the fourth floor of the four-storey building, along with internet systems and related equipment.

Several machines were still running during the inspection, officials said.

Authorities are assessing the total financial damage and investigating those responsible for the operation for possible legal action.