NBTC Raids Illegal CCTV Warehouse, Seizes ฿100m Stock

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Authorities have raided a warehouse in Bangkok and seized around 100,000 illegal CCTV camera sets and more than 21,000 foreign SIM cards, with an estimated total value of 100 million baht. The operation targeted the sale and installation of unlicensed equipment using radio frequencies without approval. Officials warned that sellers and operators face severe criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

The raid took place on 16 January in Soi Lat Phrao 101, Bang Kapi district, and was led by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). It involved joint action with the Technology Crime Suppression Division, Customs Department, Excise Department, Personal Data Protection Commission and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board. The authorities acted following ongoing monitoring of unauthorised frequency use.

According to NBTC deputy secretary-general Triyot Viriyasirikul, investigators found that several operators had imported and sold CCTV systems without permission to use radio frequencies. The devices also lacked mandatory NBTC technical certification as required by law. Inspections showed the company owner and manager were Chinese nationals using a large warehouse to store and distribute the products.

The illegal cameras were imported from China and sold online at prices of about 500 to 1,000 baht per unit. Sales were reported to reach up to 4,000 units per day at peak times. Officers seized approximately 100,000 CCTV sets for examination, along with around 21,000 foreign SIM cards linked to prepaid application-based accounts.

The SIM cards were deemed to have been illegally imported, adding further offences to the case. The NBTC has filed formal complaints against the sellers and warehouse operators. Charges fall under the Radiocommunications Act B.E. 2498, carrying penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

Additional offences may apply under the Telecommunications Business Act B.E. 2544 if operators are found to lack the required licences. This offence carries a fine of up to 100,000 baht. Mr Triyot said unauthorised CCTV equipment can cause radio interference affecting Wi-Fi, mobile networks and government communications systems.

He also warned that non-standard devices may contain data security vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of hacking and unauthorised access to personal information. The NBTC urged consumers to buy CCTV products only from licensed sellers, check certification documents, and be cautious of unusually low prices. Online buyers were advised to review seller credibility and retain purchase records.

Daily News reported that The NBTC said it will intensify inspections nationwide, work closely with Customs to screen imports, and cooperate with other agencies and online platforms to remove illegal products from sale.

Key Takeaways

• Thai authorities seized illegal CCTV equipment and foreign SIM cards worth 100 million baht in Bangkok.

• The products were sold online without NBTC approval and lacked mandatory technical certification.

• Sellers face possible prison terms and fines under Thailand’s radiocommunications and telecoms laws.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-18