Report Thailand Moves to Legalise Poker as a Sport

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of natural8

 

In a bold move, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has signed an order to revoke the ban on poker, aiming to propel Thailand into the arena of international sporting events.

 

The announcement, as revealed by Thai Rath, represents a major change, but fine details still need crafting. The government's decision indicates a willingness to embrace poker as a skill-based sport, aligning with global perceptions.

 

Phumtham emphasised that while the decision is a delicate matter, the Council of State must meticulously review the steps to ensure propriety. Adjustments may be necessary to hold poker events, with a fresh look at existing regulations.

 

One such law is the antiquated Playing Cards Act of 1943, which limits possession and importation of unregistered playing cards. Originally intended to curb idleness during wartime, this act now appears outdated as the nation reconsiders its stance, according to a report by Thai Newsroom.

 

As poker gains recognition worldwide, Phumtham believes Thailand must not lag. With the signed order, there's urgency to legalise poker, although initial competitions might require a case-by-case approach. A dedicated committee will study the necessary legislative amendments to make this transition smooth.

 

Phumtham also annulled the Interior Ministry Order No. 490/2501 from 1958, which stipulated the conditions for card games aligned with the Gambling Act of 1935. This move redefines the legal landscape for gambling in Thailand, where officially allowed activities are limited to the state lottery and horse racing.

 

In summary, Thailand's lifting of the poker ban represents a strategic shift toward recognising poker as a legitimate sport. However, the path requires careful legislative navigation to ensure that competitions can be conducted within the law. The future promises potential for international events, aligning Thailand with global poker standards.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-08-05

 

[LudwigK]

VERY brave. 🙃🤩😃

[ikke1959]

I want to organize a competition of sex toy throwing.....so sex toys can be a sport too... Legalize them.. and I want to organize a competition for how far can you blow smoke from vapes... so legalize vaping too as a sport....and so the list can go on.....

[khunPer]

Some years ago a group of retired expats were arrested in a Bridge-club, playing cards for fun – or as sport, and presumably also for killing time – so, can one presume that the retirees playing Bridge might also be legalized as sport...

[hotchilli]

44 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

I want to organize a competition of sex toy throwing.....so sex toys can be a sport too

Ping-Pong ?

[Joe Boy Walton]

42 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

I want to organize a competition of sex toy throwing.....so sex toys can be a sport too... Legalize them.. and I want to organize a competition for how far can you blow smoke from vapes... so legalize vaping too as a sport....and so the list can go on.....

Under blanket late night drunken beach sex ..... I'll file the application.

[spidermike007]

At first glance it seems like a reasonable proposal, gambling is rampant here so why not make it at least partially legal? 

[jwl53]

Hummm wonder if a royal flush will be considered a insult

[klauskunkel]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

the antiquated Playing Cards Act of 1943. Originally intended to curb idleness during wartime, this act now appears outdated,

considering instead idleness during ceasefire.

[jwl53]

1 minute ago, spidermike007 said:

At first glance it seems like a reasonable proposal, gambling is rampant here so why not make it at least partially legal? 

Which by your reckoning it is therefore illegal. Best way is to uphold the law and enforce the rules. Oh I just woke up and came out of fantasy land

[ronster]

So anyone getting busted for playing cards can now say they are practicing for the Olympics 😂👍

[NoDisplayName]

57 minutes ago, khunPer said:

Some years ago a group of retired expats were arrested in a Bridge-club, playing cards for fun – or as sport, and presumably also for killing time – so, can one presume that the retirees playing Bridge might also be legalized as sport...

 

But sir, hassling and arresting foreign retirees IS already recognized as a sport............and a hansumly profitable one at that.

[OneZero]

So, the common Thai is now allowed, on a mass scale, to lose money gambling poker?

But Casinos, with entry limited to rich / Hi So Thais, are portrayed as going to cause a catastrophic gambling addiction for the common Thai?

[SOTIRIOS]

...Pathetically Underhanded...(?)

...Thais Are Against Casinos & Gambling.....And Yet.....'Some People' Know Better...(?)

...Furthermore, Now To Be Referred To As 'Sport'... (?)

...Can't Make This **** Up!!!...

[Tarteso]

.. Legalise Poker as a Sport

[DULEROY]

57 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

À première vue, cela semble être une proposition raisonnable, les jeux d’argent sont monnaie courante ici, alors pourquoi ne pas les rendre au moins partiellement légaux ? 

Note
Because there appears to be a misunderstanding
On August 4, 2025, Mr. Chanin Rungthanakiat, Secretary to the Minister of the Interior, tweeted an explanation.
Poker is still considered a game of chance under Schedule B, but authorization is only granted for sporting activities aimed at promoting tourism.
Poker games are therefore not liberalized and remain an offense without authorization from the authorities.
He emphasized that permits can only be requested for sporting activities aimed at promoting tourism.

[khunpeer]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of natural8

 

In a bold move, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has signed an order to revoke the ban on poker, aiming to propel Thailand into the arena of international sporting events.

 

The announcement, as revealed by Thai Rath, represents a major change, but fine details still need crafting. The government's decision indicates a willingness to embrace poker as a skill-based sport, aligning with global perceptions.

 

Phumtham emphasised that while the decision is a delicate matter, the Council of State must meticulously review the steps to ensure propriety. Adjustments may be necessary to hold poker events, with a fresh look at existing regulations.

 

One such law is the antiquated Playing Cards Act of 1943, which limits possession and importation of unregistered playing cards. Originally intended to curb idleness during wartime, this act now appears outdated as the nation reconsiders its stance, according to a report by Thai Newsroom.

 

As poker gains recognition worldwide, Phumtham believes Thailand must not lag. With the signed order, there's urgency to legalise poker, although initial competitions might require a case-by-case approach. A dedicated committee will study the necessary legislative amendments to make this transition smooth.

 

Phumtham also annulled the Interior Ministry Order No. 490/2501 from 1958, which stipulated the conditions for card games aligned with the Gambling Act of 1935. This move redefines the legal landscape for gambling in Thailand, where officially allowed activities are limited to the state lottery and horse racing.

 

In summary, Thailand's lifting of the poker ban represents a strategic shift toward recognising poker as a legitimate sport. However, the path requires careful legislative navigation to ensure that competitions can be conducted within the law. The future promises potential for international events, aligning Thailand with global poker standards.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-08-05

 

another weird move by this temporary PM !  first he wants the 'entertainment business' to reach a higher level, now he wants to legitimize Poker. what's it going to be next week: another Thaksin-wish? 

[PETERTHEEATER]

I'm confused. Foreign tourists have been visiting Pattaya for decades to play poker (and pokim) and now they want to legalise it?

[Purdey]

I prefer blackjack but each to his own. 

The message wasn't clear - can people play for money or matchsticks?

[dinsdale]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

there's urgency to legalise poker, although initial competitions might require a case-by-case approach. A dedicated committee will study the necessary legislative amendments to make this transition smooth.

If something is legal in this case poker then it's available to all from casinos to the villages. Apart from this poker IS NOT a sport.

[chickenslegs]

20 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

I'm confused. Foreign tourists have been visiting Pattaya for decades to play poker (and pokim) and now they want to legalise it?

[sammieuk1]

I told the Mrs I was going to poker' and she jabbed me in the eye 🤔

[Sinsot]

1 hour ago, Tarteso said:

.. Legalise Poker as a Sport

They look like pattaya athletes 

[Derek B]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of natural8

 

In a bold move, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has signed an order to revoke the ban on poker, aiming to propel Thailand into the arena of international sporting events.

 

The announcement, as revealed by Thai Rath, represents a major change, but fine details still need crafting. The government's decision indicates a willingness to embrace poker as a skill-based sport, aligning with global perceptions.

 

Phumtham emphasised that while the decision is a delicate matter, the Council of State must meticulously review the steps to ensure propriety. Adjustments may be necessary to hold poker events, with a fresh look at existing regulations.

 

One such law is the antiquated Playing Cards Act of 1943, which limits possession and importation of unregistered playing cards. Originally intended to curb idleness during wartime, this act now appears outdated as the nation reconsiders its stance, according to a report by Thai Newsroom.

 

As poker gains recognition worldwide, Phumtham believes Thailand must not lag. With the signed order, there's urgency to legalise poker, although initial competitions might require a case-by-case approach. A dedicated committee will study the necessary legislative amendments to make this transition smooth.

 

Phumtham also annulled the Interior Ministry Order No. 490/2501 from 1958, which stipulated the conditions for card games aligned with the Gambling Act of 1935. This move redefines the legal landscape for gambling in Thailand, where officially allowed activities are limited to the state lottery and horse racing.

 

In summary, Thailand's lifting of the poker ban represents a strategic shift toward recognising poker as a legitimate sport. However, the path requires careful legislative navigation to ensure that competitions can be conducted within the law. The future promises potential for international events, aligning Thailand with global poker standards.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-08-05

 

Some Good News at last

[Derek B]

1 hour ago, DULEROY said:

Note
Because there appears to be a misunderstanding
On August 4, 2025, Mr. Chanin Rungthanakiat, Secretary to the Minister of the Interior, tweeted an explanation.
Poker is still considered a game of chance under Schedule B, but authorization is only granted for sporting activities aimed at promoting tourism.
Poker games are therefore not liberalized and remain an offense without authorization from the authorities.
He emphasized that permits can only be requested for sporting activities aimed at promoting tourism.

And what exactly are all these "new tourists" meant to be doing when they arrive in Thailand?

[Grumpy one]

How long until Poker becomes an official Olympic sport

[save the frogs]

A sport where you don't need to get off your fat lazy ass is my kind of sport. 

 

[Photoguy21]

Is pitch and toss illegal? It could become an Olympic sport.

[Tarteso]

51 minutes ago, Sinsot said:

They look like pattaya athletes 

Philetes?🤔

[khunjeff]

13 hours ago, webfact said:

there's urgency to legalise poker, although initial competitions might require a case-by-case approach

 

No one is going to organize a competition here if they have to wait for an absurd "case-by-case" determination to know whether it's even legal 🙄