Bangkok: The government has intensified its efforts against online gambling, successfully closing down 29,185 URLs over the past three months.

According to Thai News Agency, the government, through the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, has been actively monitoring and addressing online crimes. Between January 1 and March 31, 2025, authorities have blocked thousands of social media pages and website URLs linked to online gambling. Additionally, law enforcement has arrested 4,627 individuals involved in these illegal activities.

The crackdown includes targeting the 888.bet family of websites, which have been under scrutiny since 2022. So far, 200 URLs from this group have been blocked, with an additional 118 URLs awaiting court orders for closure. The government’s actions underscore the legal risks associated with online gambling, as participants face potential imprisonment of up to three years, fines up to 5,000 baht, or both under Section 12 of the Gambling Act.

Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, deputy government spokeswoman, emphasized the dangers of online gambling, which not only lead to financial loss but also risk personal information theft and legal prosecution. She urged the public to avoid any form of involvement and to report any suspicious activities to help maintain a society free from gambling-related issues.