Thailand seeks private sector assistance in gambling crackdown
Thailand has stepped up its campaign against illegal online gambling and digital piracy during the FIFA World Cup 2026, with authorities expanding cooperation with private broadcasters and platforms after a major crackdown that has already seen thousands of illegal websites blocked and several major gambling networks dismantled.
The latest move comes after Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) held discussions with Mono Next, a private media and content company and the official broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup. The talks focused on strengthening joint efforts between the government and private sector to tackle illegal gambling websites and online platforms, as well as piracy activity linked to major sports broadcasts during the tournament period.
The discussions focused on accelerating the removal of offending websites, improving information sharing between the public and private sectors, and ensuring faster enforcement when illegal activity is detected.
Deputy Digital Economy and Society Minister Nan Boontida Somchai (as depicted in the featured image) said combating illegal online activity remains one of the government’s priorities, particularly during major international sporting events that often trigger a rise in unauthorised betting and piracy.
Over 13K websites blocked till now
Between 10 and 24 June 2026, Thailand’s Illegal Website Monitoring Center blocked 12,671 URLs linked to online gambling and copyright violations. According to the ministry, 4,496 of those were blocked through court orders, while another 8,175 were removed through cooperation with platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Mono Next, which holds Thailand’s official broadcasting rights for both the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the English Premier League, said it would work closely with the ministry to provide data and report infringements more quickly. The broadcaster believes the closer partnership will help authorities remove illegal streaming sites and betting platforms soon after they appear online.
Officials say the latest operation forms part of a much broader enforcement campaign that has expanded significantly in recent months. Alongside blocking illegal websites, Thai authorities have increasingly relied on artificial intelligence and automated monitoring tools to identify suspicious websites, social media pages, streaming links and advertisements promoting illegal gambling. The technology allows investigators to detect and remove harmful content much faster than traditional manual monitoring.
Law enforcement agencies have also carried out a series of high-profile raids targeting organised gambling operations. Several large criminal networks have been dismantled, with authorities reporting arrests, asset seizures and prosecutions involving both domestic and international suspects.
Targeting ads, payments and beyond
The crackdown has already seen actions across multiple online platforms. Investigators have also targeted payment channels used to process illegal gambling transactions, while enforcement teams have conducted physical raids in tourism hubs such as Pattaya, where foreign nationals have also been arrested in connection with illegal gambling activities.
The government believes targeting every part of the ecosystem, from websites and payment systems to advertising channels and physical operations, will make it more difficult for illegal operators to continue serving Thai customers.
Officials added that monitoring now takes place around the clock, with government agencies working alongside broadcasters, digital platforms and other private-sector partners to respond quickly whenever new illegal content appears.
Members of the public are also being encouraged to support the campaign by reporting suspected gambling websites through the government’s GCC Hotline 1111 ext. 87, which operates 24 hours a day, or directly to the ministry’s Illegal Website Monitoring Center.
With World Cup interest remaining high across the country, Thai authorities say they will continue to strengthen enforcement efforts to protect consumers, safeguard broadcasting rights, and reduce the impact of illegal gambling on the country’s digital economy.
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