Thailand blocks nearly 14,000 gambling websites during World Cup

• Nearly 14,000 social media posts, URLs and illegal gambling websites were blocked by the Thai government in less than a month
• The crackdown comes during the World Cup, which attracts sports fans and bettors alike
• If found guilty on gambling-related charges in Thailand, individuals may face tough penalties

In less than three weeks, Thailand has blocked more than 10,000 online gambling websites and links, ramping up efforts against illegal gambling activities during the 2026 World Cup.

Gambling-related blocks started June 1 and continued through June 18

Traditionally, major sports events attract sports fans and bettors alike, and the World Cup is no exception.

Considering that online gambling is illegal in Thailand, the local government is constantly fighting off illegal gambling websites and dens.

In one such decisive move, the Thai government has blocked 13,888 social media pages, URLs and websites related to online gambling, a report released by the local media outlet, the Bangkok Post, reveals.

The massive operation against illegal gambling was completed between June 1 and June 18, 2026, just in time for the World Cup.

The Thai government deployed AI, which helped identify illegal gambling websites, URLs and social media posts, which eased the blocking of such content, Nan Boonthida Somchai, the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry's Deputy Minister, confirmed.

The crackdown comes on the heels of a request by Minister Chaichanok Chidchob, who instructed authorities to take action against criminal online activities, including illegal gambling, during the World Cup.

Somchai explained that individuals engaging in illegal online gambling may face charges under Section 14 of Thailand's Computer Crime Act.

The aforementioned criminal code is used in cases where suspects use computers, smartphones, social media, websites or messaging platforms to facilitate illegal gambling activities, including but not limited to operating or promoting online gambling, processing bets or gambling transactions, using digital platforms to recruit players and more.

If a person is convicted of a gambling-related offense in Thailand, they may face up to five years in prison and fines of up to 100,000 baht (approx. $2,700).

Operators of illegal gambling websites, or individuals who promote such outlets, may face tougher penalties, while large-scale cases involve asset seizure, and additional charges usually related to money laundering.

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