[International] 2026 World Cup / Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal World Cup Broadcasts, Maximum Sentence Up to 4 Years
bellala 央廣5h ago
According to Taiwan-Thailand Times, during the 2026 World Cup football tournament, the Thai government continues to strengthen its crackdown on illegal online gambling and broadcast copyright infringement. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengchan stated on the 22nd that the government has coordinated with relevant agencies to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to monitor and block illegal gambling websites. They also reminded businesses, restaurants, and various commercial establishments that publicly broadcasting World Cup matches without legal authorization may constitute copyright infringement, carrying a maximum penalty of 4 years imprisonment and a fine of 800,000 Thai Baht (approximately NT$770,000).
Ploythalay pointed out that following the instructions of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the government is continuously promoting measures to prevent online gambling. Through collaboration between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), court orders, and major digital platforms, they are enhancing the blocking of illegal content. From June 1st to 18th, 2026, during the World Cup matches, a total of 13,888 social media accounts, websites, and related links involved in illegal gambling have been blocked.
She stated that the World Cup is a globally anticipated sporting event, and the government hopes the public will participate in viewing activities in a healthy and legal manner, while also respecting intellectual property rights and supporting the sustainable development of sports, media, and related industries. The government also urges the public to stay away from all forms of illegal gambling to avoid financial and legal risks.
Regarding copyright issues, Ploythalay reminded that any individual or enterprise that records, rebroadcasts, re-airs, or publicly broadcasts World Cup match content through online platforms without the consent of the legally authorized entity in Thailand, especially for commercial purposes, may be considered copyright infringement.
According to relevant Thai legal provisions, if the infringement involves profit-making purposes, offenders may face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 4 years, or a fine of 100,000 to 800,000 Thai Baht, or both criminal charges and fines.
Analysis indicates that as major international sporting events attract large audiences, illegal broadcasting and online gambling activities often increase simultaneously. In recent years, the Thai government has continuously strengthened its management through digital regulation, platform cooperation, and law enforcement measures, aiming to reduce the impact of infringement and illegal gambling on society and industries. (Editor: Liu Xianghua)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=216117
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