Thailand directs ministry to intensify online gambling blocks ahead of World Cup
Thailand’s government has instructed the Digital Economy and Society Ministry to increase efforts to block online gambling sites before the 2026 World Cup, deputy government spokeswoman Ploytalay Laksmeesangchan said. Authorities blocked 673,699 gambling URLs and scam links from 1 October to 31 May, including 78,796 in May; 635,717 were blocked under court orders and 37,982 through platform cooperation.
Operators face intensified blocking of gambling links during the tournament period, including removals ordered by courts and platforms.