Thai Police and ACE Target INWIPTV in Dramatic Bangkok Operation
Thai police, working closely with the international anti-piracy coalition ACE, have dismantled the illegal IPTV service INWIPTV in a sweeping operation across Bangkok and Nonthaburi. The crackdown, which unfolded on September 21, 2025, saw officers storm six locations, seizing dozens of servers and arresting twelve staff members.
Authorities say the raids, codenamed “Operation DEV Shutdown,” targeted both residential and commercial properties. Investigators confiscated 46 servers, advanced signal distribution equipment, storage devices, financial records, and IPTV set-top boxes. In total, over 150 pieces of evidence are now under forensic examination.
Twelve suspected employees of the platform were detained for questioning. Police believe the group played key roles in running one of Thailand’s most notorious illegal streaming services.
INWIPTV’s Business Model: Cheap Subscriptions, Big Profits
INWIPTV, previously known as “FWIPTV,” operated a simple but highly profitable scheme. For a monthly fee of about 300 Baht (roughly 10 US dollars), subscribers gained access to a wide range of US, international, and local TV channels. The service proved especially popular for live sports and adult content, all offered without proper licensing agreements.
The platform quickly rose to become one of Thailand’s leading illegal IPTV providers. Its popularity dealt a heavy blow to legitimate broadcasters such as True Visions, undermining their business models and copyright protections.
Gambling and Money Laundering Suspicions Deepen the Case
What makes this case even more explosive are suspected ties to online gambling. Investigators discovered that the INWIPTV app contained ads and links to betting sites. Authorities now suspect that gambling proceeds may have funded the IPTV operation, raising serious money laundering concerns.
Bank accounts and financial documents seized during the raids are now being analyzed. Police hope to trace the flow of funds between the illegal streaming and gambling activities.
International Anti-Piracy Efforts Pay Off in Thailand
The operation highlights the growing impact of international cooperation in fighting digital piracy. Larissa Knapp, Chief Content Protection Officer at the Motion Picture Association (MPA), praised the Thai authorities: “We commend the DSI for their decisive action against a key IPTV service in Thailand. This case demonstrates the power of global collaboration in copyright enforcement.”
The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) played a crucial role in the investigation, gathering evidence and supporting local law enforcement. ACE continues to work worldwide to dismantle illegal streaming networks and protect creative industries.
Bangkok Raids Send Warning to Illegal IPTV Operators
The Bangkok raids send a clear message to other illegal IPTV operators in Thailand. Authorities have shown they possess the technical expertise and determination to take down even the most sophisticated piracy networks.
For Thailand’s media industry, this victory marks a significant step in the fight to protect intellectual property. Yet as long as demand for cheap streaming alternatives remains high, new operators are likely to emerge. The battle against digital piracy is far from over.
