The measures to freeze mule accounts have an impact on merchants. Many shops across Thailand have stopped accepting scan-and-pay transactions due to fears of receiving money from mule accounts. However, at Siriwattana Market, QR code payment signs are still in use. Vendors continue to accept digital payments, explaining that despite the risks, they cannot sell their goods without accepting bank transfers.
One vendor said he still accepts scan-and-pay even though he is concerned about whether a payment might come from a mule account. However, most customers may not carry cash. If he stops accepting digital payments, he will lose income.
Another vendor said she is less concerned, as each transaction is only a small amount. She believes that freezing an account over small transfers would be unfair to merchants. She urged the government to focus on identifying and addressing the source of mule accounts directly, rather than affecting businesses.
