Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The government has revealed that almost 30,000 online gambling websites and pages have been shut down in the first quarter of 2025, with more than 4,600 people arrested in connection with illegal online betting activities.

 

Ms Sasikarn Wattanajan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that between 1 January and 31 March 2025, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society had monitored and taken action against online crime, leading to the closure of 29,185 URLs related to online gambling.

 

Additionally, authorities arrested 4,627 individuals involved in operating, promoting, or participating in online gambling activities.

 

Ms Sasikarn further stated that the crackdown also targeted websites under the “888.bet” family of domains, including those that altered their names slightly to evade detection. Since 2022, 200 URLs associated with this network have been blocked, with a further 118 URLs currently awaiting court orders for closure.

 

She warned that online gambling not only results in financial loss but also increases the risk of fraud, personal data breaches, and legal consequences. Under Thailand’s Gambling Act, anyone found organising, playing, or promoting online gambling faces up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 5,000 baht, or both.

 

“Participation in any form of online gambling is a criminal offence. If you encounter any online gambling invitations or advertisements, it is vital to avoid engagement and report them to the relevant authorities,” Ms Sasikarn urged, emphasising the government’s commitment to fostering a safer, gambling-free society.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-04-28.

 

 

 

44 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The government has revealed that almost 30,000 online gambling websites and pages have been shut down in the first quarter of 2025, with more than 4,600 people arrested in connection with illegal online betting activities.

 

These types of illegal activities are like cock roaches, you can only control and never eradicate them.....

 

Yes they should deposit 50million and put on a nice jacket and tie at a proper casino !

Wonder how many cops got arrested. 

I see they want to play whack a mole. 

As I own micro shares in racehorses in Australia I like to have a bet when they run. So I always make sure that I open my VPN for Australia before I place any bets online in Thailand.