Bangkok, September 15th, 2025 – The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has established a dedicated “war room” to urgently address a growing wave of complaints regarding frozen bank accounts, following reports from online vendors and individuals whose funds have been locked due to suspected connections to “mule accounts.”
The initiative comes in response to a surge in cases where legitimate account holders, including small-scale online sellers, have been unable to access their funds. Authorities originally suspected these accounts may be linked to illicit financial activities, prompting banks to freeze them as a precautionary measure. The DES Ministry’s war room aims to streamline investigations, resolve complaints, and provide clarity to affected individuals.
Officials are working closely with financial institutions to verify account statuses and expedite the release of funds for those cleared of wrongdoing. The ministry has urged affected individuals to submit complaints fast to ensure swift resolution.
Following the establishment of a special “war room” by Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) to handle complaints related to frozen bank accounts linked to suspected mule accounts, affected individuals can submit their grievances through established channels coordinated by the ministry and related agencies.
The DES Ministry, together with the Bank of Thailand (BoT), the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), has created a fast-track process for resolving these issues. According to recent announcements, the primary hotline for reporting online fraud and account-related complaints, which is directly tied to the war room operations, is 1441. A Thai speaker is strongly suggested.
This number is operated by the police and serves as a one-stop service for victims to register complaints, including those involving frozen funds due to suspected illicit transfers.
Permanent Secretary Wisit Wisitsora-At of the DES Ministry noted that the war room has already received hundreds of calls in a single morning, with reviews and potential unfreezing of accounts possible within minutes once facts are verified. Individuals are encouraged to call 1441 ASAP if they believe their account has been wrongly suspended, providing necessary details such as account information and evidence of legitimate activity.
For those preferring online submission, complaints can also be filed through the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) platform, accessible via the DES Ministry’s official website or related police portals. However, the hotline remains the most direct and urgent method for immediate assistance, especially given the surge in reports from online vendors and everyday users.
This initiative is part of Thailand’s broader crackdown on financial scams under the Royal Decree on Technology Crime Prevention and Suppression, aiming to protect innocent account holders while targeting criminal networks. Authorities advise affected parties to remain calm and avoid unauthorized attempts to access funds, as the joint war room is designed to expedite resolutions without full account seizures.
Photos: Stock photos of police and Thailand.
