If poker is a sport this could be the first time ever and the first country in the world where a sport is illegal. 

Edit: Not talking about the madness of Islamic fundamentalist regimes like the Taliban that ban all women's sports. 

5 hours ago, GreasyFingers said:

How, or why, do you play poker without money. Back in the old days we used match sticks to bet with but they don't many of them any more.

Strip poker.

Poker is not a sport it is a game. You need no physical ability to play.

5 hours ago, GreasyFingers said:

How, or why, do you play poker without money. Back in the old days we used match sticks to bet with but they don't many of them any more.

This is going to be just like cannabis. Parlours are going to pop up everywhere with a 20 k baht entry fee.  For the fee you get some chips and achair

10 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

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

 

Same here. I remember news reports from years ago: 'Pattaya police busted a poker game in a shophouse; seven people taken to the cop shop, and 40 baht confiscated...' - Has this changed now?

"The directive comes with a caveat: it mandates that poker must strictly remain a sport, untainted by gambling associations."

 

As if a sport like poker could ever be tainted by the gambling demons?   

Thailand recognizes American Football as a sport.

I’m sure the NFL is over the moon with the commercial opportunities presented by such a move. Not that Thailand is behind the curve of course, I mean it’s not really THAT popular. Just look at the paltry viewing figures for the Super Bowl every year.

8 hours ago, sungod said:

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

Bobby Boucher: The devil? Bobby Boucher: Everything is the devil to you, Mama! Well, I like school, and I like football! And I'm gonna keep doin' them both because they make me feel good!

56 minutes ago, gjoo888 said:

Strip poker.

Age has got to me, forgot about that one.

8 hours ago, sungod said:

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

The beauty of that sport others call football (soccer), is that nothing can put me to sleep faster than the dullness of that claimed 'beautiful game'. Three seconds of action hidden in 3 hours of abject boredom. Yawn and you miss it. Watching the grass grow as the ennui goes on above is far more entertaining than the supposed action.

 

I played American football through university. Lots of variety in the plays, and multiple skills required by the differing type of players. As a speedster, I played wide receiver. Great fun.

 

 

Such pressing issues. Let’s head towards the 20th century while you’re on a roll. 🥱🥱🥱

While +/- ten years ago they arrested retired (mostly) Brits because they were meeting regularly to play "bridge". According to the local boys that would fall under gambling; every retiree was fined eventually and let go - but only after Khunying Chodchoy Sophonpanich, (family owns Bangkok Bank) declared being an avid bridge player which is an international competition rather than gambling for money.  

The government should introduce horizontal folk dancing. That would draw large crowds for sure.

14 hours ago, webfact said:

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) made a landmark announcement today, officially recognising poker as a sport.

What a load of missguided rubish.

Looking for the definition of sport google gives this:-

 

noun

 

An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.

"team sports such as baseball and soccer"

46 minutes ago, Wingate said:

The beauty of that sport others call football (soccer), is that nothing can put me to sleep faster than the dullness of that claimed 'beautiful game'. Three seconds of action hidden in 3 hours of abject boredom. Yawn and you miss it. Watching the grass grow as the ennui goes on above is far more entertaining than the supposed action.

 

I played American football through university. Lots of variety in the plays, and multiple skills required by the differing type of players. As a speedster, I played wide receiver. Great fun.

 

 

 

I think you are confused, real football is 90 mins long, with a little more for injury time. It’s nowhere near 3 hours. 

 

You must be confusing it with baseball. 

 

With regards to American throw ball what only you guys play (despite claiming you are world champions) we have a similar game called Rugby. Similar up to a point where we have real men who play the entire game  (not different teams for different moves) and don’t wear suits of armor in case they get bruised. 

7 hours ago, GreasyFingers said:

How, or why, do you play poker without money. Back in the old days we used match sticks to bet with but they don't many of them any more.

Poker tournaments.  You pay an entry fee and compete for the prize money.

35 minutes ago, sungod said:

 

I think you are confused, real football is 90 mins long, with a little more for injury time. It’s nowhere near 3 hours. 

 

You must be confusing it with baseball. 

 

With regards to American throw ball what only you guys play (despite claiming you are world champions) we have a similar game called Rugby. Similar up to a point where we have real men who play the entire game  (not different teams for different moves) and don’t wear suits of armor in case they get bruised. 

If rugby guys were bigger faster and stronger theyd be in the NFL. Simple as that

 

we wear pads because they would die otherwise

Pegging on a cribbage board? Really?

I'm waiting for the government to announce farting as a sport as I'm pretty good at it and I think I can win some medals and trophies and whatever

16 hours ago, webfact said:

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

 

 

It may have had a law changed and just missed it but I thought cards were a no no, even to the point of arresting bridge players.  Did they change the law about having more than one deck of cards?

1 hour ago, angryguy said:

If rugby guys were bigger faster and stronger theyd be in the NFL. Simple as that

 

we wear pads because they would die otherwise

you wear pads because you are fairies

3 minutes ago, sungod said:

you wear pads because you are fairies

And not the soccer guys who fake injuries for red cards…got it

 

And in future casinos will be known as sports stadiums ....

14 hours ago, sungod said:

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

American football is an absolute joke...the helmets & padding all over their bodies is completely laughed at & ridiculed by rugby league & rugby union who play a faster & tougher style of REAL football & don't need all the hype and lights and noise to spruike up an inferior game...

14 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Poker is sport? I guess chess is also sport.

Hopefully they make Bridge, Gin Rummy and Canasta sporting card games, can't afford to have another raid where the old British expats get nicked again......

11 hours ago, angryguy said:

And not the soccer guys who fake injuries for red cards…got it

 

Sorry what’s soccer? Some game that only the US plays?

16 hours ago, sungod said:

 

We are not the ones who are confused about throwing and kicking!

One word........Rugby.....😇

And how many more tourists those two activates will bring to Thailand? 

how about sledge racing? I think it'll go well here.

Playing poker is a sport???? Now I have seen everything, it is bad enough having darts and snooker described as a sport, but cards??

 

17 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Can't compare. Playing chess you have to foresee and plan your moves and take in account what your opponent might do. So you have to have a good mathematical brain, whereas Poker is for the dumbest possible to play.

 

Poker involves SO MUCH math, along with so much trying to read your opponents (up to 8 at a time & you must keep track of how each plays), the need to foresee and plan your moves & take into account what your opponent might do.

Wait a second.... these are all the things you tried to say are in chess, but not poker. 

You've been making me laugh while reading thru this post, please keep your ignorant posts coming!