Thailand has recorded a dramatic soar in the number of illegal websites, with over 400,000 URLs linked to gambling, e-cigarettes and alcohol advertisements detected this year, says the Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES).
Chomparee Chompurat, DES inspector-general, said the ministry conducted a survey of websites potentially violating the law between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2025. The results showed a dramatic rise in illegal gambling and prohibited goods websites, from 60,000 URLs in 2024 to 400,000 URLs in 2025. Notably, gambling sites alone expanded fourfold, from 62,213 URLs in 2024 to 307,538 URLs in 2025, she said.
At the same time, websites related to e-cigarettes and alcohol advertising are spreading rapidly through online channels. The ministry warned such platforms are spreading rapidly online, threatening the wellbeing of children and youth. In response, the DES and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen online media surveillance and promote digital literacy nationwide.
The partnership aims to integrate data systems, develop health-focused online monitoring, and cultivate safer digital habits through policy, research and community engagement.
Meanwhile, the Thai government’s intensified crackdown on cybercrime has resulted in the dismantling of several major gambling networks.
The joint operation by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) uncovered annual cash flows exceeding 15.2 billion THB (436 million USD) across multiple platforms.
