BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s government blocked more than 220,000 allegedly illegal web addresses in just over three months as part of an intensified campaign against online crime and digital risks.
Sharp rise in website blocking since October
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) reported that between 1 October 2025 and 11 January 2026 a total of 220,486 URLs on social networks, user accounts and websites were blocked. Ministry spokesman Wethangk Puangsap said the action formed part of tougher steps against online crime and digital risks to society. According to the ministry, enforcement was particularly intensive in December 2025, when 116,397 addresses were taken offline.
Illegal online gambling made up bulk of removals
The largest share of blocked content involved illegal online gambling, with 183,977 URLs falling into this category and accounting for the majority of measures. Other areas targeted included electronic cigarettes with 14,618 URLs and alcohol advertising with 10,139 URLs. The ministry also ordered blocks on 2,943 URLs related to cannabis trade, 2,040 linked to prostitution and 1,990 involving firearms, alongside 4,779 URLs covering fraud, defamation, hate speech and pornography.
Authorities cite legal violations and public security
According to MDES, the blocks focused on content deemed to violate existing laws and to endanger public order and security. Officials stressed that the aim was to limit digital threats that could harm national security and the public interest. They stated that online platforms should not become an entry point for criminal activity.
AI platform ‘WebD’ at the core of enforcement
A key role in the operation was played by the WebD platform, described by the ministry as a system based on artificial intelligence and Robotic Process Automation. The technology was used to accelerate detection of suspect content and the collection of digital evidence.
“The platform enables paperless applications to the courts and automated blocking orders to internet service providers.”
said Wethangk Puangsap, ministry spokesman.
A permanently running URL-checking system supported continuous monitoring of suspicious content, according to the ministry.
Aligned with digital minister’s tougher line
The campaign was in line with the strategy of Digital Minister Chaiyachonok Chidchob, who advocated a tougher stance against digital harm and criminal use of online platforms. Authorities said the measures would continue in order to protect national security and the public good from emerging cyber threats. MDES stated that further blocks and inspections were planned and that the technical infrastructure for ongoing operations was already in continuous use.
Ongoing debate over security and control
The scale of more than 220,000 blocked sites in a short period and the use of AI-driven monitoring raised questions among observers about the balance between safety and control. Commentators highlighted that courts were issuing digital block lists while providers implemented the orders based on automated systems. The developments prompted a broader discussion over where necessary protection against online fraud and crime ends and where lasting surveillance and potential censorship might begin.