The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), raided nine properties in Surat Thani province linked to illegal Bitcoin mining operations. The properties, rented by suspect Natthaphong and another individual, had modified electricity meters to evade proper billing. The operation reportedly caused damages of over 10 million baht (approx. $280,000 USD).

The investigation began when residents reported a rented but uninhabited house equipped with multiple security cameras, raising suspicions of illegal activity. Police found Natthaphong had rented a total of nine properties under similar circumstances. Financial records indicated transactions totaling over 40 million baht (approx. $1.1 million USD) from January 2023 to September 2023, suggesting possible criminal activities.

Upon inspection with PEA, police discovered unusually high electricity usage at these properties, inconsistent with their monthly bills, leading them to suspect tampered meters powering the Bitcoin mining machines. The raids revealed 111 Bitcoin mining machines, seven computers, ten routers, and ten tampered electricity meters.

The suspects admitted to operating the Bitcoin mining setup for over a year, illegally reducing monthly electricity costs from an estimated 1 million baht to just 500-2,500 baht. Both men now face charges of nighttime theft, with evidence suggesting significant financial impact on the local power grid.