FOREX DEVELOPING June 18, 2026 Thailand

Thailand DSI Launches "Shutdown the Laundering" Forex Payment Gateways Frozen, Traders Left Unable to Withdraw

Thailand's elite investigative agency raids 24 locations, freezes 77+ accounts, and seizes 65 million baht in cash — with politicians and celebrities expected to be named at a June 19 press conference.

Followme News Desk  |  June 18, 2026, Bangkok  |  Source: DSI Thailand

DSI officers during the "Shutdown the Laundering" raid, June 18, 2026.  Source: DSI Thailand

Trader Alert: If you are currently unable to withdraw or deposit with your offshore Forex broker, your broker's Thai payment gateway may be affected by this investigation. Monitor official broker communications and avoid making large deposits until the situation is fully resolved.

Thailand's Department of Special Investigation (DSI) launched one of the country's most significant financial crime operations to date on June 18, 2026 — a coordinated sweep codenamed "Shutdown the Laundering" — targeting unlicensed foreign currency trading networks suspected of large-scale money laundering across the Bangkok metropolitan area.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with four government agencies: the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), the Central Institute of Forensic Science, the Ministry of Justice, and the Bank of Thailand. Simultaneously, Thailand's central bank confirmed via its official channels that it is actively assisting DSI in the investigation — a rare and significant show of coordination between law enforcement and monetary authorities.

24 locations raided across 5 provinces   |   77+ bank accounts frozen   |   ฿65M cash seized on-site   |   5 supercars confiscated

What Was Seized

Raids spanned Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon. Authorities seized more than 65 million baht in cash, five supercars, gold bars, silver bars, high-value jewelry, designer luxury goods, firearms, hardware crypto wallets, computer servers, and electronic equipment. Documentary evidence linking the networks to financial flows was also recovered.

Seized assets from the operation including cash, luxury goods, and hardware wallets.  Source: DSI Thailand

How This Is Affecting Forex Brokers and Thai Traders

The most immediate market impact has been on retail Forex traders in Thailand. As part of DSI's effort to trace money laundering channels, authorities froze payment gateways that multiple offshore Forex brokers use to process Thai baht deposits and withdrawals. The result: a significant number of Thai traders have found themselves locked out of their funds with no warning.

The disruption appears to be collateral — brokers who share payment infrastructure with entities under investigation have seen their transaction pipelines suspended while investigators examine the flow of funds. The Bank of Thailand has provided regulatory backing to DSI, lending the probe additional authority to compel financial institutions to act.

"If you've been deceived into investing in unauthorised Forex schemes — through websites, apps, or direct solicitation — come forward and file a report with DSI."
— Department of Special Investigation, June 18, 2026

DSI investigation teams at one of the 24 raided locations.  Source: DSI Thailand

🔴 Live Updates — June 18, 2026

• Some affected brokers have partially resolved the disruption. Traders can now withdraw funds again, though limits remain in place (QRS restrictions apply). Depositing may still be unavailable on certain platforms.
• The Bank of Thailand has confirmed it is assisting DSI in the investigation, lending the probe significant regulatory authority.
• Multiple prominent Thai Forex coaches and social media influencers have gone silent since the operation began — raising widespread speculation about their potential links to the networks under investigation.
• DSI press conference confirmed for June 19 (Friday). Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphon Nawarat will personally lead the DSI task force in a formal briefing expected to reveal the full organisational chart naming all individuals involved (including prominent politicians and entertainment figures), a list of private companies implicated, the total financial damage, the number of victims, and key evidence recovered. Source: Daily News Thailand

Politicians and Celebrities Implicated

DSI has indicated that the suspected networks extend well beyond typical financial fraud circles. The agency has signalled that individuals from Thailand's political class and entertainment industry are among those expected to be named when it presents its findings at tomorrow's press conference. This has generated intense public interest and social media speculation, particularly as several well-known Forex coaching personalities have abruptly stopped posting.

Evidence documentation during the Shutdown the Laundering operation.  Source: DSI Thailand

What Traders Should Do Now

Guidance for Thai Forex Traders Monitor your broker's official website and social media for communications about payment gateway status. Avoid making large new deposits until your broker confirms Thai payment channels are fully operational. If you have been defrauded by an unlicensed Forex scheme in Thailand, you can file a report directly with DSI at register.dsi.go.th or call 02-831-9888.

● This is a developing story. Updates will follow the DSI press conference on June 19.

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Sources

• DSI Thailand — Official "Shutdown the Laundering" operation announcement
• Bank of Thailand — Official statement on DSI cooperation