Thai authorities have stepped up efforts against illegal online betting during the FIFA World Cup 2026, blocking 13,888 gambling-related websites, social media pages and online links within the first 18 days of the tournament.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) said the removals took place between 1 June and 18 June as part of a broader campaign aimed at limiting gambling activity linked to one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. Officials believe football tournaments often lead to increased betting activity and provide gambling operators with opportunities to attract new users.
The operation combines court-ordered website blocks, cooperation with digital platforms and the use of artificial intelligence to identify gambling-related content more quickly.
Authorities Increase Monitoring Efforts
DES Deputy Minister Nan Boonthida Somchai said the ministry intensified enforcement following instructions from DES Minister Chaichanok Chidchob to combat online crime and illegal gambling during the World Cup period.
Authorities targeted websites, URLs and social media pages connected to gambling operations. Many of the restrictions were implemented through court orders, while others resulted from direct cooperation with platform operators.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said the government had coordinated security and technology agencies to strengthen online enforcement measures. The campaign follows directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has called for stronger action against online gambling networks in Thailand.
Officials view illegal gambling as a growing concern and have identified football betting as a particular risk during major international competitions.
Artificial Intelligence Supports Detection
Artificial intelligence has become a central part of Thailand’s enforcement strategy. According to the DES, AI systems are being used to detect, analyse and screen suspicious data across websites and social media platforms.
Officials said the technology helps authorities identify gambling-related content faster and monitor promotional activity across multiple digital channels. The use of AI has expanded as gambling operators increasingly rely on online platforms to reach potential customers.
The ministry believes technology-driven monitoring allows investigators to respond more quickly when illegal content appears and helps prevent wider distribution of gambling advertisements.
Authorities also warned the public against sharing or promoting gambling-related content online. The DES said such activity could violate Section 14 of Thailand’s Computer Crime Act, even when users are unaware that the material breaches legal requirements.
Wider Campaign Targets Gambling Networks
The latest World Cup figures build on months of enforcement activity. Government data showed that between 1 October 2025 and 31 May 2026, DES blocked 673,699 gambling-related websites, URLs and online pages. Of those, 635,717 were restricted through court orders, while 37,982 were removed through cooperation with digital platforms.
Separate police figures indicated that more than 717,000 gambling-related internet links were blocked during the same period as part of nationwide operations targeting betting websites and promotional content.
Authorities have also raised concerns about younger users engaging with gambling platforms. Data from Thailand’s Information Technology Crime Suppression Centre indicated that more than four million people aged between 15 and 25 had interacted with online gambling services by early 2026.
Investigators continue to examine financial systems linked to illegal betting operations, including cross-border payment channels and cryptocurrency transactions.
Source:
“DES blocks over 13,000 gambling sites”, bangkokpost.com, Jun 22, 2026
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