DE Speeds Up Refunds for Scam Victims Ahead of New Regulation

DE Expedites Refund Process for Scam Victims Ahead of Ministerial Regulation Taking Effect on 12 August 2026

          Mr.Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), assigned Ms.Nan Boontida Somchai, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), to chair the second meeting of the Committee on the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes under Section 13 of the Emergency Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes B.E. 2566 (2023). The meeting was attended by Mr.Patchara Anuntasilpa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, along with representatives from relevant agencies, at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.

          Ms.Nan Boontida Somchai stated that the meeting reviewed the implementation of measures undertaken by various agencies to prevent and suppress online crimes. The committee acknowledged a report from the Royal Thai Police indicating that the average daily financial losses caused by scams had declined significantly, from approximately 100 million baht per day to around 25million baht per day. This reduction reflects the effectiveness of intensified and continuous enforcement measures.

          The meeting also followed up on preparations for the implementation of the Ministerial Regulation on the Refund of Assets to Victims of Technology Crimes B.E. 2569 (2026), issued pursuant to Sections 8/1 paragraph four and 8/2 paragraph three. The regulation was published in the Royal Gazette on 14May 2026 and will come into force after a 90-day grace period, on 12August 2026.

          The regulation is expected to facilitate a faster and more convenient refund process for victims by reducing procedural steps. Under the new mechanism, compensation can be returned through the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) Transaction Committee without the need to wait for a court order. AMLO is currently accelerating preparations and establishing clear operational guidelines to ensure readiness when the regulation becomes effective.

          “The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and all relevant agencies place great importance on expediting compensation for victims of scams in order to alleviate the hardships faced by affected citizens. Every aspect of the process will be carefully reviewed to ensure maximum readiness when the ministerial regulation comes into effect,” said the Deputy Minister.