Thailand blocks over 717,000 gambling URLs ahead of FIFA World Cup
Thai police have intensified efforts against illegal online gambling ahead of this month’s FIFA World Cup, blocking more than 717,000 internet links and launching nationwide operations targeting football betting websites, social media channels and gambling networks.
The crackdown follows an order from Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, directing law enforcement agencies across the country to take action against all forms of online gambling. The campaign includes investigations, arrests and the blocking of digital platforms linked to gambling activities.
According to Pol Lt Gen Trairong Piwpan, Deputy Director of the Technology Crime Suppression Centre and spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, authorities are paying particular attention to football betting ahead of the FIFA World Cup and have instructed officers to monitor online gambling activity and prevent young people from becoming involved in betting platforms.
Over 717,000 gambling-related links blocked
According to police data, authorities blocked 717,425 URLs linked to gambling activities between 1 October 2025 and 20 May 2026. The crackdown has extended beyond gambling websites to include gambling-related links and promotional content circulating on Facebook, Line and TikTok.
The scale of the operation reflects the growing challenges posed by online gambling networks, which continue to use multiple digital channels to reach customers and promote betting activities.
At the same time, investigators have identified 309 online gambling websites as priority enforcement targets during May and June. These sites are the focus of ongoing investigations and operational activity aimed at disrupting gambling networks before football betting activity increases during the World Cup period.
Arrests and investigations continue
Police said arrest warrants have been issued in connection with several gambling operations and that some suspects have already been detained. Authorities added that investigations are continuing into related networks linked to gambling operators, with investigators tracing connections between websites, financial channels and individuals involved in online betting activities.
The operation covers both gambling websites and the wider networks associated with illegal betting activities.
Focus on football betting and young users
Police have been instructed to closely monitor betting activity ahead of the FIFA World Cup and prevent young people from becoming involved in online gambling.
Pol Lt Gen Trairong said police are closely monitoring football betting websites and gambling-related promotional content circulating on online and social media platforms.
Authorities have expressed concern about the accessibility of gambling platforms and the potential for increased betting activity during major sporting events. Monitoring efforts have therefore been intensified in the weeks leading up to the tournament.
Artificial intelligence deployed in enforcement efforts
Technology has become a central component of Thailand’s anti-gambling strategy. According to Pol Lt Gen Trairong, police are using artificial intelligence tools to identify gambling-related content more quickly and accurately. The technology is helping investigators detect betting promotions, trace online activity and take action against websites and social media accounts linked to gambling operations.
The use of AI is intended to improve the speed of enforcement by allowing authorities to identify and block content before it gains wider visibility online.
Officials said the technology enables faster responses to emerging gambling websites and promotional campaigns, particularly as operators increasingly move their activities across different digital platforms.
Criminal networks adopt more complex payment systems
Authorities also warned that gambling operators have changed the way they move money, creating additional challenges for investigators.
Police said operators have increasingly moved away from traditional mule-account arrangements and are now using more sophisticated financial channels. These include corporate accounts, PayPal services, cross-border intermediaries and cryptocurrency transactions.
The growing use of complex payment channels has made tracking transactions connected to illegal gambling operations more challenging. As part of larger initiatives to destroy gambling syndicates and impede the flow of money associated with betting activities, investigators are still looking into these payment networks.
The crackdown includes digital monitoring, investigations, arrests and the blocking of gambling-related platforms. Police are also targeting gambling websites, social media channels and financial networks as part of the ongoing operation.
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