Thailand's Criminal Court Orders Takedown of 380,000 Illegal URLs

The Criminal Court has mandated the removal of over 380,000 illegal URLs in early 2026, significantly surpassing previous years' totals. This increase follows the amendment of the Criminal Code, which now allows victims to request the immediate takedown of explicit images. The new provision aims to address sexual harassment issues online more effectively by simplifying the process for victims.

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Court data highlights a sharp rise in removal orders, with 380,863 URLs affected from January to early April 2026, exceeding the total for 2024. This trend reflects the impact of Section 284/4, which enables victims and officials to petition for the removal of explicit content from public computer systems.

The Criminal Court's integration of the Court Integral Online Service (CIOS) streamlines handling petitions, expediting the process. So far, 68 petitions involving 173 URLs have been submitted online, resulting in the urgent removal of 88 URLs. This development is anticipated to offer a robust shield for victims and a deterrent for offenders.

Looking forward, these legal advancements are expected to aid individuals facing online abuse by curtailing the spread of unlawful material quickly. The court's enhanced capacity to impose immediate penalties adds to the law's deterrent effect on offenders.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Nation · 14 Apr 2026