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Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has blocked over 55,000 online URLs associated with gambling within less than a month, amidst the ongoing intensified efforts of the government in the closing stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The ministry disclosed that the move was undertaken in accordance with judicial directives and a collaboration with internet platforms.
Ministry Steps Up Action
According to Deputy Minister Nan Boontida Somchai, Minister Chaichanok Chidchob has directed the ministry to increase efforts to block illegal social media accounts, pages, and websites, especially those related to online gambling, to enhance anti-online crime measures. It is worth noting that the policy is an adherence to the directive from the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, regarding cooperation in efforts to deal with online gambling in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
It was noted that the ministry continues to block illegal gambling social media accounts, pages, and website URLs according to court orders as well as through close collaboration with online platforms. It is being done as a means of limiting online crime at a time when there is an increased prevalence of gambling activities.
Blocking Figures Rise
Between June 1 and July 12, 2026, during the FIFA World Cup 2026, the ministry blocked a total of 55,377 gambling-related URLs. That included 29,402 URLs blocked in June and 25,975 URLs blocked between July 1 and July 12.
The ministry said the blocking was done using AI technology to detect and analyze illegal gambling websites. It described the pace of the action as part of its continued response to online gambling content circulating during the tournament period.
The figures show that the ministry maintained steady enforcement through both June and the first part of July. The total added up quickly as officials continued to pursue gambling-related links across platforms and websites.
Public Reporting Channel
Nan also urged members of the public who encounter online gambling activity to report it through the GCC Hotline 1111 ext. 87 or by email at [email protected], which is operated by the ministry’s Illegal Website Monitoring Center. She said public cooperation remains important as authorities continue to track illegal gambling content online.
She also warned that posting or sharing material related to illegal gambling or online scams on digital platforms or social media, even unintentionally, may be an offense under Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act. The warning was included as part of the ministry’s broader public message on online gambling enforcement.
Enforcement Push Continues
The ministry’s latest move reflects a continuing effort to tighten controls over gambling-related content during the World Cup period. By working with court orders, digital platforms, and AI-based detection, the ministry has sought to reduce the spread of gambling URLs across social media and websites.
The focus on online gambling has remained central to the government’s approach throughout the tournament. With more than 55,000 URLs blocked in a little over a month, the ministry has signaled that the campaign against illegal gambling will remain active as the World Cup reaches its final stage.
Source: Khaosod English
