Central bank governor Vitai Ratanakorn at the seminar. Bank of Thailand
The Bank of Thailand has instructed financial institutions and payment platforms to monitor suspicious fund flows as part of its efforts to curb the grey economy, which it views as one of the country's key structural economic challenges.Speaking at the Bank of Thailand Southern Region Office Annual Seminar 2026, titled "How Can Southern Businesses Adapt in an Uncertain World?", held on Monday, central bank governor Vitai Ratanakorn said it has instructed financial institutions, payment platforms and money changers to strengthen monitoring of suspicious fund flows.
The move forms part of the central bank's broader efforts to prevent illicit financial transactions and reduce grey money, which it considers a major structural challenge to the Thai economy.
"We do not want regulated financial service providers, including banks, e-money providers and payment gateways, to become involved in transactions linked to illegal activities, the grey economy or corruption," Mr Vitai said.
He said combating illicit financial activities remains the Bank of Thailand's top priority because they undermine Thailand's economic and institutional foundations.
