Bank of Thailand Clarifies New Transfer Limits to Combat Rising Online Scams
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has unveiled strict new rules capping daily mobile and internet banking transfers in an effort to combat the sharp rise in financial fraud. Announced on 19 August 2025, the measures are designed to protect vulnerable users and restore public trust in digital banking.
Why the New Limits?
The BOT acted after a surge in scam activity, particularly through phone calls and online fraud. In June 2025, authorities received 24,500 scam-related reports, with total losses of 2.8 billion baht ($86 million). Victims lost an average of 114,000 baht ($3,500), while the biggest single loss hit 4.9 million baht ($150,000).
Assistant Governor Daranee Saeju explained that the new limits will slow down criminals, giving banks more time to freeze suspicious transfers and improve chances of recovering stolen money.
How the Caps Work
The rules create a tiered system:
- 50,000 baht ($1,537) daily limit for high-risk accounts
- 200,000 baht ($6,147) or higher for verified customers with strong banking histories
The lowest cap applies mainly to new customers and those considered at risk, while existing users must comply by the end of 2025. Vulnerable groups — including children under 15 and adults over 65 — will face tighter restrictions, reflecting their higher exposure to scams.
Customers can request limit adjustments via mobile apps, call centers, or in-branch visits, ensuring flexibility while maintaining safety.
Thailand’s Digital Banking Boom and Risks
Thailand’s digital banking growth — from 18 million users in 2009 to 50 million in 2020 — has also created new scam opportunities. Fraudsters use tactics ranging from fake SMS messages to AI-cloned voices and bogus loan apps.
In a 2024 case, 29 Siam Commercial Bank customers were tricked into handing over ID details and one-time passwords, giving criminals direct account access. The BOT has already pushed biometric ID checks and stricter device controls, but these new limits add another layer of protection.
Strengthening Defenses
The BOT said banks had already shut down over 3 million fraud-linked accounts by July 2025, including 177,000 mule accounts. These new restrictions build on that momentum, with closer coordination between banks, regulators, and law enforcement.
While some customers may find the new limits inconvenient, regulators argue the trade-off is essential for safeguarding Thailand’s financial system. The BOT pledged to monitor scam trends closely and adjust policies as criminals adapt.
As Daranee Saeju emphasized, the ultimate goal is to ensure digital banking in Thailand remains safe, reliable, and convenient for all users.
