Anyone interested in getting together for a friendly i.e. low stakes or no stakes, card game once or twice a week. Poker, pinochle(sp?), whatever. venue could rotate or meet at a resturant.

Don't you know that gambling, except for the lottery, is illegal in Thailand?

I'd certainly think twice about playing cards in public, even for fun, in Thailand.

The boys in brown would very likely take a keen interest.

Apparently you missed this thread:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/11-Foreigner...ch-t311053.html

Be prepared for the implications if you proceed.

I'd certainly think twice about playing cards in public, even for fun, in Thailand.

The boys in brown would very likely take a keen interest.

I did say low stakes OR NO STAKES.

I doubt they would differentiate between, high, low and none if playing cards were present. Remember YOU would have to prove there was no money involved.

Don't you know that gambling, except for the lottery, is illegal in Thailand?

So is not wearing a motorcycle helmet - everyone does it.

And online gambling is legal. http://www.ladbrokes.com/home/th

Not everybody, and not everybody gets away with it. Try doing it if you're a Farang.

(You'd have to be crazy anyway).

I didn't want to chime in on this.

But seeing as how my mates have given the friendly advise and warnings...yes, gambling is very strictly proscribed here.

Not meaning that it doesn't exist; just that it is very strictly regulated.

Legally you are treading a very fine line with this issue.

Even "no stakes".

And posting this on the internet, where 4 billion people can find out about your post....hmmmm.

I'm not trying to pass any opinion on the matter, I'm a former keen bridge player myself.

I'm just advising the OP to be careful and play in a private house rather than a public place like a bar or restaurant.

I didn't want to chime in on this.

But seeing as how my mates have given the friendly advise and warnings...yes, gambling is very strictly proscribed here.

Not meaning that it doesn't exist; just that it is very strictly regulated.

Legally you are treading a very fine line with this issue.

Even "no stakes".

And posting this on the internet, where 4 billion people can find out about your post....hmmmm.

I thought this would be a good way to meet/make friends. Apparently not.

Don't you know that gambling, except for the lottery, is illegal in Thailand?

Funny - I recently went racing in Chiang Mai and was able to place all sorts of wagers legally with the on course tote...

I didn't want to chime in on this.

But seeing as how my mates have given the friendly advise and warnings...yes, gambling is very strictly proscribed here.

Not meaning that it doesn't exist; just that it is very strictly regulated.

Legally you are treading a very fine line with this issue.

Even "no stakes".

And posting this on the internet, where 4 billion people can find out about your post....hmmmm.

I thought this would be a good way to meet/make friends. Apparently not.

Looks like you'll have to stick with drinking and frolicking with the ladies of the night to keep yourself occupied.

I've known Thais who have been busted for playing cards. High stakes, low stakes, toothpicks. if they want to do you for gambling they will.

There are several regular games in the village and there is an "arrangement" with the local police force.

Part of their side of the deal is to keep a weather eye out for the Chiang Rai city force in case they pay a surprise visit.

Here is why you do not play cards.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Aussies-Arre...rb-t312983.html