[International] 2026 World Cup / Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal World Cup Broadcasts, Maximum Sentence Up to 4 Years
bella@@ 央廣 新聞1d ago
According to Taiwan-Thailand Times, during the 2026 World Cup, 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. Businesses, restaurants, and various commercial establishments are reminded 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 directives of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the government is continuously promoting measures to prevent online gambling. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), in conjunction with court orders and cooperation with major digital platforms, is enhancing the blocking of illegal content. From June 1 to June 18, 2026, during the World Cup period, a total of 13,888 social media accounts, websites, and related links involved in illegal gambling have been blocked.
She emphasized 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 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, broadcasts, rebroadcasts, or publicly displays World Cup match content through online platforms without the consent of the authorized Thai entity, especially for commercial purposes, may be committing copyright infringement.
According to relevant Thai laws, 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.
Analysis indicates that as major international sporting events attract large audiences, illegal broadcasts and online gambling activities often increase concurrently. The Thai government has been strengthening its management in recent years 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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