Thailand Strikes at Worldcoin: Bangkok Raid Leads to Arrests and Charges

Thai authorities have launched a dramatic crackdown that’s sending shockwaves through the crypto space.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) raided a Worldcoin location in Bangkok on October 24, arresting multiple suspects and seizing equipment.

Worldcoin Under Fire According to an official SEC statement, the operation targeted violations of Thailand’s Digital Asset Business Decree (BE 2561 / 2018) — specifically Sections 3, 26, and 66, which prohibit any cryptocurrency trading activity without a government license. Investigators claim Worldcoin was operating illegally, exposing users to potential fraud and money-laundering risks. The suspects were detained at the scene and now face criminal prosecution. “This operation will strengthen our ability to prosecute and suppress unlicensed digital-asset businesses while protecting users from scams,” said Jomkwan Kongsakul, Deputy Secretary-General of the Thai SEC.

SEC Had Already Warned: “Worldcoin Is Operating Outside the Law” The raid didn’t come out of nowhere. The SEC had previously warned the public against using or promoting Worldcoin, emphasizing that trading WLD tokens via unregistered platforms carries serious risks. Regulators have also been monitoring how the project was marketed in Thailand, saying several campaigns crossed the line of legal advertising. “Anyone promoting or offering crypto services in Thailand without a proper license will face criminal prosecution,” the SEC reiterated during a press conference following the raid.

Tough on Crime, Open for Tourism In a twist of timing, the Thai government is simultaneously launching a pilot program that allows foreign tourists to convert crypto into baht via licensed exchanges. The initiative — set to run for 18 months — aims to boost tourism spending while maintaining strict anti-money-laundering safeguards. “We want to support the economy without compromising financial security,” said Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

Conversion limits are capped at 550,000 baht (around $17,000) per visitor.

Thailand’s Message: No Exceptions in the Crypto Market The joint SEC-CCIB action sends a powerful signal — Thailand is serious about cleaning up its digital-asset sector.

Worldcoin has become the first major test of this tougher stance: no loopholes, no excuses, and no tolerance for unlicensed operations. With regulators tightening control even as the government promotes legitimate crypto use, Thailand may soon emerge as one of Asia’s most balanced — and closely watched — digital-asset markets.

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