Bangkok, Thailand – The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) has blocked a total of 220,486 illegal URLs across social media pages, accounts, and websites over a three-month period from October 1st, 2025, to January 11th, 2026.
The aggressive enforcement effort, announced by ministry spokesperson Wethangk Puangsap, forms part of intensified measures to combat online crime and address social threats. In December 2025 alone, authorities shut down 116,397 illegal URLs.
Online gambling dominated the blocked content, accounting for 183,977 URLs—the overwhelming majority. Other categories included:
– Electronic cigarettes: 14,618 URLs
– Alcohol advertising: 10,139 URLs
– Cannabis trading: 2,943 URLs
– Prostitution: 2,040 URLs
– Firearms: 1,990 URLs
– Miscellaneous offenses (such as fraud, defamation, hate speech, and pornography): 4,779 URLs
The ministry credited its advanced “WebD” platform, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA), for accelerating detection, evidence collection, paperless court requests, and automated blocking orders to internet service providers. A continuous URL-checking system further supports ongoing monitoring.
The initiative aligns with government policies under Minister Chaiyachonok Chidchob to curb digital harms and prevent criminal exploitation of online platforms. Authorities added that such actions will continue to protect national security and public welfare from emerging cyber threats.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
