Frequent power outages in Thailand: a link to illegal miners

Several provinces in Thailand have been hit by regular electricity disruptions, which experts link to the activities of unauthorized crypto farms. Local media report that unaccounted consumption in these areas reached 20–30 megawatts daily. Power companies consequently struggle to balance the grid, leading to voltage fluctuations and emergency blackouts.

Energy sector representatives indicate that some of the mining rigs, exposed by law enforcement, were connected directly to high-voltage lines, bypassing official meters. Detecting such setups can take a long time, as they often operate at night and are well concealed. Over the last 12 months, more than 50 complaints have been filed by residents whose homes were jeopardized by overloads.

Thai authorities plan to implement smart-meter systems and impose severe penalties for violations, including criminal charges. Recent estimates suggest that this issue could cost the government several hundred million baht per year. Nonetheless, with bitcoin’s popularity soaring, the influx of illegal miners remains significant.