Bangkok: The Royal Thai Police has initiated a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal gambling activities related to the 2026 World Cup by establishing a dedicated task force. The initiative, announced at a press conference presided over by Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police, aims to disrupt gambling networks through a "3-cut" strategy targeting websites, financial transactions, and the broader network.
According to Thai News Agency, the newly established Center for the Prevention and Suppression of Illegal Gambling on the 2026 FIFA World Cup is leveraging the technological and structural capabilities of the Royal Thai Police's Cyber Crime Suppression Center. This move is intended to enhance the center's capacity for technological investigations and criminal network analysis, ensuring effective law enforcement.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong outlined the center's proactive approach, which includes intercepting gambling websites and horse racing accounts, as well as addressing various offenses on social media. The "3-Cut" strategy focuses on severing online gambling websites, cutting off financial channels, and dismantling online gambling operations. Officers are instructed to maintain integrity and honesty, with strict measures prohibiting any involvement in bribery or online gambling.
The Royal Thai Police, led by Police General Kittirat Phanphet, emphasizes the importance of preventive measures against illegal football betting, a prevalent issue affecting the public and youth. Nationwide, police officers have been directed to enforce measures to prevent and suppress gambling on World Cup results.
The center is also calling on parents, guardians, and educational institutions to help monitor and prevent young individuals from engaging in World Cup betting or online gambling. This community cooperation is crucial in protecting youth from potential legal issues and ensuring their future well-being.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong expressed confidence in the center's operations, citing the successful arrest of 18 targets as evidence of the officers' dedication and expertise. This ongoing effort aims to restore social order and bolster public confidence, effectively disrupting the financial networks supporting online gambling activities.