Thailand Speeds Up Scam Victim Refunds Via New System
Thailand is launching a new system from August 12 to fast-track refunds to scam victims without court orders while permanently blacklisting mule account owners from the banking system. The government is also limiting daily transfers for you
The government is intensifying efforts to combat scammers and block mule accounts by centralizing databases and expediting the return of funds to victims through the PPNG system without requiring a court order, effective August 12, 2026. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythale Luksameesangjun announced that the Committee on Prevention and Suppression of Cybercrime and the Subcommittee on Prevention of Cybercrime and Transnational Offenses have approved guidelines for identifying and removing persons linked to cybercrime (mule accounts) and coordinating data integration and inter-agency cooperation under the Cybercrime Prevention and Suppression Emergency Decree, Section 13, to strengthen mule account suppression. Once a mule account owner is identified, all transaction channels across every bank account will be frozen, and the person will be permanently blacklisted from opening new bank accounts; high-risk accounts will also be suspended even if no victims have yet filed complaints, to prevent funds from being transferred out before action is taken. Current findings show that scammers are tricking children and youth into opening more bank accounts, prompting the Bank of Thailand to begin implementing guidelines to limit transfer and payment amounts for youth aged 12–18 via bank accounts and e-Money to between 3,000 and 10,000 baht per day depending on age bracket, with the measure expected to be completed by October this year. Regarding victim refund criteria under the ministerial regulation, the meeting will accelerate the establishment of guidelines so that victims can immediately file refund requests through the PPNG system without waiting for a court order, to align with the ministerial regulation taking effect on August 12. The PPNG will serve as the lead agency working with the DSI, Bank of Thailand, Thai Bankers Association, TEPA/e-Money operators, SEC, and the Digital Asset Operators Association, implementing an urgent deep-action measure within 90 days to be completed by September 2026. "This elevated measure may affect innocent citizens; however, anyone whose account is suspended unintentionally may contact the AOC hotline 1441, press 2, to verify their identity, after which the bank will expedite account unlock," Ploythale stated. "If any person is found connected to a fraudulent financial pathway at any bank, the system will immediately suspend that person's accounts across all banks."
