Thai Government Targets Online Gambling, Blocks Over 25,000 Sites
On March 31, 2024, Deputy Government Spokeswoman, Ms. Kanika Aunjit, announced a major crackdown on online gambling, identifying it as a significant economic crime.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) have been actively investigating, and blocking online gambling operations to protect the economy and society from related cybercrimes, such as identity theft and underage gambling.
Between October 1, 2023, and March 5, 2024, the DES removed over 60,681 instances of inappropriate content and blocked 25,571 gambling websites. Under the Gambling Act, operators face 1 to 10 years in jail and fines between 20,000 to 200,000 baht. Those promoting gambling risk up to 2 years in jail and a 2,000 baht fine.
Ms. Kanika urged citizens to avoid online gambling, noting the government's commitment to combating this issue for the welfare of Thai society.
Between October 1, 2023, and March 5, 2024, the DES removed over 60,681 instances of inappropriate content and blocked 25,571 gambling websites. Under the Gambling Act, operators face 1 to 10 years in jail and fines between 20,000 to 200,000 baht. Those promoting gambling risk up to 2 years in jail and a 2,000 baht fine.
Ms. Kanika urged citizens to avoid online gambling, noting the government's commitment to combating this issue for the welfare of Thai society.
