Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), one of Thailand’s major financial institutions, is implementing new security measures requiring customers’ SIM card registrations to match their banking app account names. The requirement, which takes effect July 14, 2025, follows the Bank of Thailand’s broader regulatory framework for strengthening mobile banking security across Thai financial institutions.
Under the new policy, customers must ensure that the name registered on their mobile SIM card exactly corresponds to the name on their SCB Easy App account. The measure comes as Thailand prepares to implement mandatory biometric authentication for SIM card registration in 2025, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to digital identity verification.
The timing of SCB’s initiative is especially relevant given the 160 percent surge in SIM swap scams reported globally, where fraudsters exploit mismatches between phone numbers and bank records to gain unauthorized access to mobile banking services.
Affected customers will be unable to use the SCB Easy App but will retain the ability to conduct transactions through alternative channels, including ATMs, cash deposit machines (CDMs), and SCB branch locations.
To restore app access, customers must visit an SCB branch and present their identity document along with proof of mobile phone number ownership. Acceptable documentation includes ownership confirmation letters, USSD system responses, SMS verification from mobile providers, receipts, or invoices.
The implementation includes provisions for exemptions, which customers can request by submitting documentation at any SCB branch. The bank requires customers to update their personal details at their account-opening branch, including phone numbers linked to the app, with documentation such as rental agreements and passports. The updates will need to be renewed every two years.
The initiative is part of Thailand’s comprehensive approach to digital banking security, which includes the recent development of blockchain-based digital ID systems and enhanced authentication protocols. The measure specifically addresses concerns regarding pre-registered SIM cards sold online and mismatches between phone numbers and bank records, which have been identified as significant security vulnerabilities in mobile banking services.
Sources: Asian Banking & Finance, ASQ.in.th, Siam Commercial Bank
