Thailand has blocked nearly 14,000 online gambling links connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as part of an intensified nationwide crackdown targeting illegal betting activities and copyright violations.
As reported by The Nation, authorities blocked or removed a total of 13,888 illegal gambling pages and websites between June 1 and June 18 through a coordinated operation involving multiple government agencies. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to combat transnational online gambling syndicates that typically see increased activity during major sporting events.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has been utilizing artificial intelligence technology to identify, analyze and screen suspicious content across online platforms. The AI-driven system allows authorities to detect gambling-related activities more efficiently and respond more quickly to emerging threats.
The campaign follows directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has described online gambling as a significant social threat. Authorities obtained court orders to block offending websites while simultaneously coordinating with platform operators to remove illegal content.
Beyond gambling enforcement, the Government also issued a warning to businesses regarding the unauthorized commercial use of World Cup broadcasts. Restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and other establishments were reminded that rebroadcasting or publicly displaying matches for commercial purposes without written authorization from the official rights holder could constitute copyright infringement.
Officials noted that activities such as re-streaming matches online, uploading recorded broadcasts, conducting live streams on social media or using broadcasts to attract customers may lead to criminal penalties. Violators could face imprisonment ranging from six months to four years, fines of between THB100,000 (US$3,038)and THB800,000 or both.
The Government urged both businesses and the public to support responsible viewing practices, avoid gambling-related activities and respect intellectual property rights.
Thailand authorities increasingly deploying artificial intelligence and court-backed enforcement measures to disrupt illegal betting networks
