Such thefts have caused significant service disruptions, particularly in the Eastern and Northeastern regions. It is working with police to track down the criminal gangs and their financial networks, aiming to prosecute such offenders.
The company is also investigating black markets buying stolen goods and warns consumers to be cautious when purchasing second-hand lithium batteries to avoid being duped into buying stolen property.
The damage from mobile tower equipment theft includes stolen lithium batteries, cables, air conditioners, and solar panels. Some locations have had metal equipment, ladders, and fences stolen, with thieves removing bolts, causing towers to collapse and harming local communities.
Recently, True Corporation has instructed the legal firm B and L to represent them in filing complaints with Pol. Lt. Col. Chatkanin Insorn at Phanthong Police Station in Chonburi Province, pressing charges against thieves who stole equipment from mobile signal towers in the Amata City Chonburi industrial estate area. The theft involved cutting cables to sell them, which temporarily halted signal tower services. Key evidence has been provided to aid further investigation.
Rittiron Preodprom, Attorney from B and L Law Firm, representing True Corporation, said: “These thefts severely impact mobile network services, which are essential digital infrastructure. Base stations have to shut down temporarily due to power supply disruptions, affecting many people’s ability to use mobile phones, including basic communication, daily apps, business, online transactions, and education, causing widespread public inconvenience.”
“Consumers should be cautious when purchasing second-hand equipment, especially lithium batteries often used with home solar systems. They should buy from reputable sellers and verify the source of the products to avoid inadvertently purchasing stolen goods,” Rittiron concluded.
