The National Police Chief has ordered a strict crackdown on all forms of online gambling. From October 2025 to May 2026, authorities have blocked 717,000 URLs. Data shows that over 4 million Gen Z youths have become involved in online gambling.
On 31 May 2026, Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwpan, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Deputy Director of the Technology Crime Suppression Center, speaking as spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, revealed that Police General Kittirat Phanphet, the National Police Chief, has instructed all relevant units to rigorously suppress all types of online gambling. He ordered the use of every measure, including thorough investigation, continuous enforcement, and blocking access to websites and social media platforms across all channels.
From 1 October 2025 to 20 May 2026, the Royal Thai Police, in collaboration with related agencies, have blocked a total of 717,425 URLs on websites and social media platforms including Facebook, Line, and TikTok, and continue to conduct intensive investigations and blocking operations.
Meanwhile, the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), led by Police General Thana Chuwong, Deputy National Police Chief and Director of TCSD, is actively cracking down on online gambling networks that continue to defy the law. In May and June 2026, TCSD has targeted 309 online gambling websites identified through investigations and plans to expand efforts to dismantle the entire network. Some arrests and warrants have already been made.
The police spokesperson said the National Police Chief has instructed TCSD to monitor and prevent youth from becoming involved with online gambling, especially during the World Cup festival in June 2026. The police will intensify crackdowns on online betting, conducting investigations and ready to block websites and social media platforms related to online football gambling across all platforms. AI technology is being used to enhance detection speed and accuracy.
Police Lieutenant General Trairong added that statistics and analysis from TCSD show that online gambling networks have evolved from traditional mule accounts to corporate accounts, PayPal, international intermediary accounts, and cryptocurrency. However, the police remain determined to investigate and arrest offenders. Despite heavy crackdowns, demand from players has not decreased. At the start of 2026, over 4 million youths aged 15 to 25, the Gen Z group, have entered the online gambling cycle, including many new gamblers.
Furthermore, online gambling platforms have adapted by using covert advertising through influencers, live streams, and short videos to attract those facing economic difficulties to take risks, hoping for quick wealth. However, these are traps causing victims to lose significant amounts of money.
Nevertheless, the Royal Thai Police, through various units, have continuously cracked down on individuals involved in online gambling networks, arresting influencers who promote all forms of online gambling. They warn those considering entering this cycle to stop their behavior, avoid linking or promoting content, or they will face strict legal action.