Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has asked Line Thailand to take down more than 4,000 official accounts linked to illegal online gambling websites, with users liable for criminal punishment, the ministry said on Tuesday, September 10, 20241.
The ministry made the request to the operator of the country's most popular chat app, which has 54 million users, following online surveillance by authorities and Line Thailand between February 24 and August 91. Of the 4,136 accounts uncovered in the crackdown, 2,532 contained short videos advertising gambling websites, and the rest were offered as access points to them1.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said the Line app provides an ideal tool for gambling website owners to reach their target groups1. He said many official Line accounts had also been used by other criminal groups, such as online scammers, to reach prospective victims, and that the official accounts were the main communication channel between gambling organizers and their clients1.
"Gamblers are liable for a maximum of three years in prison and/or a fine of up to 5,000 baht."
The minister warned members of the public against getting involved, directly or indirectly, with illegal gambling activities and online scamming1.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Official Line accounts uncovered | 4,136 |
| Accounts containing short videos advertising gambling websites | 2,532 |
| Surveillance period | Feb 24 to Aug 9 |
| Line users in Thailand | 54 million |
| Maximum penalty for gamblers | Three years in prison and/or a fine of up to 5,000 baht |
What it means for players
The action targets official Line accounts, the channel the ministry describes as the main link between gambling organizers and their clients, rather than the gambling websites themselves1. Accounts used to advertise or provide access to illegal online gambling sites are the ones asked to be closed1. The ministry has not reported how many of the 4,136 accounts have actually been taken down, and it has not said whether individual account holders have been charged1.
Gambling in Thailand is restricted, and the penalties cited apply to gamblers as well as to those promoting the sites1. The warning from the minister covers indirect involvement, which includes passing on links or acting as an access point1. For locals, expats and visitors who use Line, an account tied to gambling promotion carries the risk described by the ministry. The Bangkok Post report does not detail how authorities identify individual users behind an account, or what evidence would be needed to prosecute1.
What happens next
The ministry has asked Line Thailand to close the accounts1. No timeline for the closures, and no further enforcement steps, have been reported1.
Sources1 sources
- Bangkok Post - Authorities probe gamblers’ Line accounts, bangkokpost.com
