Thailand’s DES Ministry Blocks Access to Over 178,000 Illegal URLs

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Freepik

 

In a decisive crackdown on illegal online activities, Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has blocked over 178,000 unlawful URLs in just 14 months. This extensive initiative reflects both the ministry's commitment to cleansing the digital landscape and its effectiveness in doing so.

 

Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong announced the remarkable figure, highlighting an increased focus on tackling online crime through collaborations with internet service providers. Between October 2023 and November 2024, specifically, 178,609 URLs were taken offline, achieving an average of 12,757 URLs per month. This marks a significant leap compared to the preceding period, where only about 17,670 URLs were obstructed—a rise of approximately 8.6 times the previous amount.

 

The minister attributed this success to enhanced oversight capabilities and improved communication with internet service providers, enabling faster and more efficient responses. The process is robust: once illegal sites are identified, either through police alerts or the ministry's own discovery, swift action follows. The DES Minister seeks approval to proceed with court requests necessary to block these URLs.

 

After securing a court order, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, alongside ISPs and online platforms, are tasked to block the offending URLs within a mere two to three days. Failure to comply results in stiff fines, an accountability measure that has already accrued approximately 21 million Thai Baht in fines from non-compliant platforms.

This vigilant approach underscores the Thai government's seriousness about purifying its digital space. The crackdown extends beyond conventional illegal activities to include gambling sites, as well as fraudulent pages potentially harmful to the public. As online crime evolves, this proactive stance enhances domestic cybersecurity and projects Thailand as a leader in digital regulation within Southeast Asia.

 

Further plans are on the horizon, with the DES Ministry aiming to develop even more sophisticated technical frameworks to pre-emptively tackle digital threats. This operation serves as a template, showing how governmental action can align with service providers to create a safer online environment for all users.

 

The ministry's ongoing campaign against digital crime illustrates not just the complexity of managing internet safety but also the possibilities opened by decisive strategy and policy implementation. In fostering a safer internet space, DES reinforces the importance of vigilance and responsiveness to protect its citizens in an increasingly digital age, reported The Nation.

 

-- 2024-12-06

 

 

[ukrules]

Is there a list of the offending URLs ?

[Karma80]

Thailand blocks porn, so not the most challenging job in the world to get results from. Apparently, you must only get your porn in person in the areas where prostitution doesn't exist, according to a different ministry.

[topt]

5 hours ago, Karma80 said:

Thailand blocks porn,

Since when? I just opened up Pornhub without any issues........

[Will B Good]

So even with a VPN these URLs cannot be accessed?.......asking for a friend.

[Celsius]

2 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

So even with a VPN these URLs cannot be accessed?.......asking for a friend.

 

Can. I get phub all the time.

[bradiston]

6 hours ago, ukrules said:

Is there a list of the offending URLs ?

My question too. My bank a few days ago blocked 2 payments centres I was being directed to.

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, topt said:

Since when? I just opened up Pornhub without any issues........

VPN ?

[topt]

Just now, hotchilli said:

VPN ?

No. Never been an issue apart from once some time ago when it was reported in the press.

True online connection.

[FlorC]

NT blocks certain sites , while true/3B doesn't.

 

I can't remember who wanted the internet firewall decades ago , taksin gov or the Prayut gov.

Sinds 14 months the new gov has been blocking sites , raising taxes , more aligned with the WEF , ...

 

Give us back Prayut !

[1happykamper]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

This vigilant approach underscores the Thai government's seriousness about purifying its digital space.

OMG. Now this was funny 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤦