Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

 

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has seized a luxury pleasure yacht worth about 1.125 billion baht as part of an expanded investigation into a transnational scammer network linked to call centre fraud. The seizure marks a significant escalation in asset recovery efforts, pushing the total value of assets restrained in related cases to more than 10.165 billion baht. Officials said the action demonstrates the immediate financial impact of Thailand’s national campaign against technology-related crime.

 

The move follows a Cabinet resolution on 21 October 2025 designating the prevention and suppression of technology crime as a “national agenda”. On 23 December 2025, Mr Witthaya Nititham, Assistant Secretary-General and spokesperson for AMLO, announced the latest enforcement outcome. He said AMLO has continued to pursue measures against organised scammer groups, particularly call centre gangs accused of defrauding the public and engaging in habitual fraud offences.

 

According to AMLO, further investigative work uncovered additional assets connected to the scammer network. On 22 December 2025, AMLO Secretary-General Mr Thepsu Baworachotidara exercised authority under Section 48, paragraph two, of the Anti-Money Laundering Act B.E. 2542 (1999) to order the seizure. The asset is a pleasure yacht named ATLAS, a 2017 model registered under the Cayman Islands flag, seized along with its safety and onboard equipment under Order No. Y.302/2568.

 

The yacht seizure is linked to the case of Ms Tangthai and associates, identified by AMLO as being connected to the broader scammer operation. The order allows the yacht to be held temporarily for a period not exceeding 90 days. During this period, individuals whose property has been seized, or who have a legal interest in it, may apply in writing to the AMLO Secretary-General for revocation of the order within 30 days of receiving formal notification, provided they can present evidence that the asset is not related to criminal activity.

 

Officials indicated that the action reflects AMLO’s focus on dismantling the financial foundations of cross-border scam operations. By targeting high-value assets allegedly derived from or connected to fraud, authorities aim to deter organised cybercrime and recover proceeds linked to public deception. The case also underscores increased scrutiny of luxury assets and offshore registrations used to conceal illicit wealth.

 

Thaitabloid reported that AMLO said investigations will continue, with further coordination expected among domestic and international agencies. Authorities will review evidence submitted by any claimants and determine whether the seized yacht should ultimately be forfeited under anti-money laundering laws. Additional asset seizures may follow as financial trails linked to scammer networks are further examined.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• AMLO seized a Cayman Islands-registered luxury yacht worth about 1.125 billion baht on 22 December 2025.

• The action is part of a national agenda against technology crime approved by the Cabinet on 21 October 2025.

• Total assets seized or frozen in related scammer cases now exceed 10.165 billion baht.

 

Related Story

 

Peoples-party-calls-for-deputy-PMs-dismissal

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Thaitabloid 2025-12-24

 

Might just be worth a tad more than Thb 1.25....maybe remove the decimal point!

Any....nice Christmas gift for someone!

Nice yacht, around £26million pounds

 

Up to 14 guests can be accommodated on board, and she also has accommodation for 11 crew members, including the ship's captain. Atlas has a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure. She is powered by 2 Caterpillar Inc engines, which give her a top speed of 17 kn. The yacht carries 90,000 litres of fuel on board. The yacht's builder is Codecasa S.p.A. from Italy, who launched Atlas in 2011.

Seizing a yacht of this size and value must be like holding a tiger by the tail. Just berthing and maintaining the thing is a huge undertaking.  Yachts can't just be parked under a tarp like a Lamborghini. They deteriorate like fresh fruit and need constant ongoing upkeep.  With assets frozen, who pays the huge day to day costs?   Maybe not such a great idea, after all.

Next, AMLO will be seizing Venezuelan tankers!

Is it for sale by auction?
Who's bidding?
Who's bidding higher?

4 hours ago, dddave said:

Seizing a yacht of this size and value must be like holding a tiger by the tail. Just berthing and maintaining the thing is a huge undertaking.  Yachts can't just be parked under a tarp like a Lamborghini. They deteriorate like fresh fruit and need constant ongoing upkeep.  With assets frozen, who pays the huge day to day costs?   Maybe not such a great idea, after all.

The owner will pay if he gets it back or the government will get their money back when they sell the £26million asset