The Thai government has recently executed a significant crackdown on illegal sports betting, resulting in the closure of 4,576 websites associated with World Cup-related gambling. This effort has reportedly generated around 20 billion baht, equivalent to $591 million, according to an official government statement.
With the World Cup concluded, officials are shifting their focus towards other sports, particularly illegal online horse racing betting. A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office stated, "The Royal Thai Police and the Bank of Thailand are joining forces to crack down on and disrupt online gambling networks."
Despite an existing nationwide ban, there has been an increase in sports-betting platforms tailored for Thai speakers. Prominent snooker players have expressed the need for revised betting regulations to better support young athletes.
The extensive crackdown initiated on June 6 and concluding on July 19 involved shutting down nearly 558,000 URLs in total. The authorities dismantled 617 illegal sportsbook operators and over 8,200 private gamblers. Police efforts were particularly effective in the first two weeks of July, during which they closed 137 online gambling sites linked to over 10 million baht ($297,000) in turnover.
In response to growing concerns surrounding online gambling, the Prime Minister’s Office announced plans to launch the Online Gambling Suppression Center, facilitating reports from potential whistleblowers and employing advanced IT systems to detect unlawful sports-betting platforms. On the directive of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the initiative includes dismantling networks related to illegal gambling accounts and mobile SIM card traders, with support from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.
On October 1, 2025, the government began this latest sports-betting crackdown alongside measures targeting illegal firearm sales. In the firearms operation, police have closed down nearly 790 illegal trading platforms, arresting over 3,000 suspected arms traffickers and seizing more than 4,000 illegal firearms and 243,000 rounds of ammunition, along with 162 explosive devices.
Authorities are also targeting influencers who promote online gambling, stating, "[Police] will investigate and arrest influencers or well-known individuals who advertise, promote, or create content that encourages online gambling. They will also extend the investigation to the masterminds behind these operations."
Additionally, there is a stern warning for cash and card mules who allow gambling operations to utilize their financial accounts, as they face potential jail sentences of up to five years and fines reaching $14,850.
In separate developments, law enforcement has intensified efforts to crack down on land-based gambling. In a raid in Nonthaburi, Thailand’s second-largest city, police apprehended 17 individuals allegedly engaged in dice games, including an 85-year-old man. The suspects were reportedly caught behind a shrimp fishing pond after traveling from Bangkok’s Thonburi area and Chonburi for a two-hour betting session. Officers seized 7,600 baht ($225) in cash at the location.
The octogenarian claimed that the gambling operation was orchestrated by his caregiver, noting, "When my caretaker started gambling, I decided to join in, betting $6 per game."
Moreover, local authorities in Mukdahan Province announced they are moving to arrest 41 Thai nationals believed to be running an illegal online betting network in Laos. Extradition arrangements are in place for these suspects, who allegedly managed an unnamed casino site, according to reports by Siamrath Online.
