Bitcoin mining machines worth THB200 million seized in two provinces

At the second location, in Ratchaburi province, Somwang was identified as the person responsible for overseeing the mining operation, while Kiatkong (full name not revealed) was responsible for supervising the mining machines. Officials found 465 bitcoin mining machines in operation. It was found that there had been tampering with the electricity meters. Legal proceedings were initiated by law enforcement officers.

The suspects reportedly told the police that they were engaged in selling bitcoin mining machines, which were imported from China through proper customs procedures. These machines were then sold to the general public. As part of the deal, customers who purchased the mining machines would be hosted, including electricity costs, for 6,200 baht a month. Both the mining sites had been operating for around two months.

The officials said that such bitcoin mining machines if operational throughout the month would normally incur monthly electricity costs of around 9,000 baht per machine.

Electricity officials reported that alleged illegal modifications had been made to the electricity meters, as a result the actual usage could not be recorded. Some parts were connected to bypass the meters. Preliminary calculations estimated the revenue loss at both locations at around 5 million baht.

Further investigation regarding the import of the bitcoin mining machines will be carried out by the Customs Department. The seized items included various models of bitcoin mining machines, valued at approximately 350,000 baht each.