Nearly One Million Gambling URLs Taken Down in Thailand Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
Nearly One Million Gambling URLs Taken Down in Thailand Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
BANGKOK, June 2, 2026 — Thai authorities have blocked more than 717,000 gambling-related websites, URLs and social media channels as part of a nationwide crackdown on online betting ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, when gambling activity is expected to surge.
According to Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Deputy Director of the Technology Crime Suppression Centre, the operation was launched under orders from National Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet to combat all forms of illegal online gambling across the country.
Between October 1, 2025 and May 20, 2026, authorities blocked a total of 717,425 gambling-related URLs and social media channels operating on platforms including Facebook, Line and TikTok. Police said efforts to identify and shut down additional gambling platforms remain ongoing.
The intensified campaign comes as Thailand prepares for a potential increase in football betting during the FIFA World Cup in June 2026. Authorities have instructed investigators nationwide to monitor online gambling networks and take preventive measures, particularly to protect young people from becoming involved in illegal betting activities.
Police also revealed that investigators identified 309 major gambling websites for enforcement action during May and June. Arrest warrants have already been issued for suspects linked to some of the networks, while further investigations are underway to dismantle larger criminal organizations operating behind the platforms.
Officials said artificial intelligence technology is now being used to detect gambling content more efficiently, allowing authorities to identify and block illegal websites, social media accounts and promotional channels at a faster rate.
According to police analysis, online gambling operators have increasingly shifted away from traditional mule bank accounts and are now using corporate accounts, PayPal, cross-border intermediary accounts and cryptocurrencies to facilitate transactions and evade detection.
Despite the large-scale enforcement efforts, authorities acknowledged that online gambling continues to attract significant participation. Data collected during the first months of 2026 indicated that more than four million people aged between 15 and 25 had engaged in online gambling, with many becoming first-time bettors.
Investigators also found that gambling operators increasingly rely on influencers, livestreams and short-form videos to promote betting platforms, often portraying gambling as a quick path to financial success.
Thai police said enforcement against gambling websites, operators and online promoters will continue throughout the World Cup period. Authorities warned that influencers and content creators who advertise gambling services or share betting links could face prosecution under Thai law.
