Thailand Tightens Online Gambling and Piracy Crackdown
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry of Thailand, along with MonoMax, has explored ways to address illegal websites and platforms connected with online gambling and copyright violations during the FIFA World Cup 2026 transmissions. Such discussions revolved around swift removals, cooperation between the public and private sectors, and enforcement of the law against such illegal activities.
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Meeting Focuses On Enforcement
Ms. Nan Boontida Somchai, deputy minister of digital economy and society, and Mr. Nawamin Prasopnet, chief executive officer of Mono Next Public Company Limited, held the talks on preventing and suppressing illegal websites tied to online gambling and piracy. The meeting came as authorities continued efforts to curb unlawful online activity around major sports broadcasts.
Ms. Nan mentioned that the government and the Digital Economy and Society Ministry highly prioritize its anti-illegal online activities, including online gambling and intellectual property infringement. She added that this is a legal and public interest issue, where the ministry is constantly monitoring the problem even during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Blocking Efforts Intensify
Between 10 and 24 June 2026, the ministry’s Illegal Website Monitoring Center blocked 12,671 URLs linked to copyright infringement and online gambling. Of those, 4,496 URLs were blocked under court orders, while 8,175 were removed through cooperation with social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
The figures show the scale of the ministry’s recent enforcement activity, as it has used both legal orders and platform cooperation to restrict access to illegal content. The blocking campaign has covered websites and platforms associated with both piracy and online gambling, reflecting the overlap the government sees between the two types of activity.
During the meeting, Mono Next said it was ready to integrate data and work closely with the ministry’s Illegal Website Monitoring Center. The company, which holds the official broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the English Premier League in Thailand, said the cooperation would help speed up the blocking of illegal platforms immediately after violations are detected.
Private Sector Cooperation
The meeting highlighted the role of private operators in supporting government enforcement. By working more directly with the ministry’s monitoring centre, Mono Next said the process of identifying and removing illegal platforms could move faster once violations are found.
Ms. Nan said the government conducts 24-hour monitoring and enforcement against illegal online activity. She added that the ministry is ready to work closely with the private sector to combat illegal websites and platforms, and said the cooperation would speed up coordination and takedown efforts while helping prevent offences that affect the public, society, and the digital economy.
Her comments also underlined the government’s broader commitment to reducing public harm while supporting Thailand’s economic growth. The discussion placed enforcement, copyright protection, and gambling suppression within the same operational framework.
Reporting Channels Remain Open
Members of the public can report websites related to online gambling during the FIFA World Cup 2026 through the GCC Hotline 1111 ext. 87, which is available 24 hours a day. Reports can also be sent to the ministry’s Illegal Website Monitoring Center by email at [email protected].
The reporting channels give the public a direct route to flag illegal gambling sites during the tournament period. Together with the ministry’s blocking operations and cooperation from Mono Next, the measures form part of a wider campaign to limit illegal online activity linked to the event.
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Source: Khaosod English
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