Report Thailand Recognises Poker and American Football as Official Sports

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) made a landmark announcement today, officially recognising poker as a sport. The decision, made during a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, is expected to bolster the nation's economy by hosting regional and global competitions.

 

SAT Governor Kongsak Yodmanee and Tourism & Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong also endorsed this move, positioning Thailand as a burgeoning hub for poker enthusiasts worldwide.

 

The meeting also granted official sport status to American football, following its international recognition by both the Sports Accord and the International Olympic Committee. Interestingly, the LA 28 Olympic Summer Games will feature this sport. The Thai national flag football team has already shown promise, boasting a world ranking of 5th in 2023 and clinching gold at the 2014 Asian Beach Games.

 

The SAT emphasised that poker, renowned for its strategic depth, is a widely popular card sport that requires intelligence, psychology, and emotional regulation. The game's newfound status in Thailand may lead to economic gains by attracting players, spectators, and tournaments, thereby amplifying the nation's appeal as a sports tourism destination, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

The directive comes with a caveat: it mandates that poker must strictly remain a sport, untainted by gambling associations. This constraint ensures that the country, while embracing poker's sporting potential, avoids the pitfalls of gambling addiction.

 

This strategic expansion in Thailand’s sports portfolio holds promise. The recognition of poker offers fresh avenues for athlete income and national revenue, reinforcing Thailand’s bid to become a sports tourism powerhouse. The broader implication is a more diverse sporting landscape in Thailand, welcoming both traditional and modern games under its official umbrella.

 

Now that poker is officially recognised, stakeholders anticipate a boost in revenue and tourism, cementing Thailand's status as a pivotal player in the global sporting arena. The government's and SAT's efforts in balancing growth and regulation will be crucial to harnessing the full potential of these developments.

 

In summary, the official acceptance of poker as a sport spells exciting new chapters for Thailand’s international sporting reputation and economic prospects. The careful management of its implementation will be key to reaping these benefits, ensuring a smooth transition into the country's diverse sports lineup.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-07-24

 

 

[ikke1959]

and poker is not gambling>> And gambling is forbidden in Thailand... I am confused now

[Mike_Hunt]

This is big deal. 

[thesetat]

54 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

and poker is not gambling>> And gambling is forbidden in Thailand... I am confused now

Dont be confused. With Poker as a sport the country can use that to make it legitimate to have a sporting event for poker players. Bypassing any thai law for gambling. 

[KhunLA]

Damn ... and I thought it was BBQ & Beer @ 0800 hrs.   

 

As I used to indulge when working 3rd shift.  Love the looks from the folks going to work at the small factory across the street from the house.  They must of thought I was one LPOS, and or, Living the Dream.

 

Correct on both counts 

[phetphet]

Does that mean that if the Thai police raid so called illegal casinos, everyone will get nicked except the Poker players? 😀

[sungod]

Dont confuse American 'throw ball' with the real football we play everywhere else in the world. 

[dinsdale]

Poker is sport? I guess chess is also sport.

[Gsxrnz]

27 minutes ago, sungod said:

Dont confuse American 'throw ball' with the real football we play everywhere else in the world. 

 

American "football" was on the bar telly. I made a comment to a mate that the rules evaded me. A random American stranger overheard and took on the uninvited task of explaining the rules to me over the course of 15 boring minutes.

 

I repaid the courtesy by explaining to him the detailed rules and intricasies of cricket. I think I lost him at silly-mid-on, or it might have been googly or thick outside edge. He was mightily impressed that the game was stopped occasionally for a cup of tea and then lunch.

 

I went to the WC and returned to see that he had legged it. Mission accomplished.  

[thesetat]

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

Poker is sport? I guess chess is also sport.

They should add Monopoly and Bingo as well...perhaps someone should also ask the government to allow the sport of darts again so they can put them in bars again. 

[Gottfrid]

So, now we can sit train for the competition right on the beach, as runners can get their training and football players get theirs, right?

[Will B Good]

 

Well some is going to feel flushed with this news. If you can play poker now (dressed in lycra?) there are going to be a few full houses with people exercising.

[dinsdale]

3 hours ago, thesetat said:

Dont be confused. With Poker as a sport the country can use that to make it legitimate to have a sporting event for poker players. Bypassing any thai law for gambling. 

Real football is Australian Rules Football.