Thailand shuts down nearly 14,000 illegal betting sites during World Cup

Thai authorities have taken decisive action against illegal online gambling, shutting down 13,888 betting websites in June alone. This significant crackdown is part of a broader government initiative to combat illicit online activities, which has seen a surge in proliferation amid the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

The operation, which ran from June 1 to June 18, occurred even though Thailand is not participating in the global football tournament. The government has stated its commitment to continuous monitoring of such sites until the tournament concludes on July 19. To enhance detection capabilities, authorities are employing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to identify and analyze websites and social media platforms associated with digital betting.

Illegal online gambling carries severe penalties in Thailand, including imprisonment. The country permits only the National Lottery and betting on horse races. The intensified pursuit of these illegal sites and social media profiles is driven by a court order specifically related to the 2026 World Cup. The government is urging football fans and businesses to foster a constructive and legal environment for enjoying the event, while strictly avoiding any form of illegal gambling.

Thailand views these digital betting sites as closely linked to online scams, a significant illegal business that has its epicenter in Southeast Asia and affects thousands of victims globally each year. The government's efforts aim to curb these activities and protect citizens from financial fraud and illegal practices.