Jip99 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 I and a few friends were contemplating getting together to play a few rubbers of Bridge. I mentioned this at a local watering hole and somebody said that card playing was illegal in Thailand. I thought that it was gambling, rather than card playing, that was illegal. However, having read the Playing Cards Act BE 2486 I am unsure. Does anyone have first hand knowledge ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post numis Posted August 9, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted August 9, 2014 Not illigal. Only gambling for money is. I have been playing with police friends too in open bars. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 there are cards sold so it can't illegal. But most of the times I have seen money on the table = illegal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jip99 Posted August 9, 2014 Author Share Posted August 9, 2014 there are cards sold so it can't illegal. But most of the times I have seen money on the table = illegal I THINK I am right in saying that they can only be sold under licence. In theory (and I don't want to sound/act like a traffic warden) a few of us could be enjoying a friendly game of Bridge an, perhaps after a tip off, the BiB turn up and cause problems for us. I am not trying to be melodramatic but with prison sentences up to 10 years at stake I don't want to fall foul of the law. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 As with many things in Thailand, I would say it entirely depends who turns up at that moment in time and what he wants to do about it. I would go to the local Police station and ask there, make a note of who you spoke to etc just in case. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 there are cards sold so it can't illegal. But most of the times I have seen money on the table = illegal Not true, just because its available doesnt mean its legal. Just look at all the various pharmacueticals that can be bought from street vendors, the Ladies on the street etc, all illegal but readily available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morakot Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 I THINK I am right in saying that they can only be sold under licence. Thanks for this. Very useful. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neeranam Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 (edited) there are cards sold so it can't illegal. But most of the times I have seen money on the table = illegal I THINK I am right in saying that they can only be sold under licence. In theory (and I don't want to sound/act like a traffic warden) a few of us could be enjoying a friendly game of Bridge an, perhaps after a tip off, the BiB turn up and cause problems for us. I am not trying to be melodramatic but with prison sentences up to 10 years at stake I don't want to fall foul of the law. Every 7/11 sells them behind the counter. http://www.pagat.com/national/thailand.html PLaying poker online is legal in Thailand as long as the site is not based in Thailand. Edited August 9, 2014 by Neeranam 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morakot Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 Every 7/11 sells them behind the counter. Yes, but don't buy them all, because if you are found in possession of more than 120 cards you can be imprisoned for up to three years. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neeranam Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 (edited) Every 7/11 sells them behind the counter. Yes, but don't buy them all, because if you are found in possession of more than 120 cards you can be imprisoned for up to three years. Nonsense, it usually a fine of a couple of thousand baht on the odd occasion it gets to court. If there are no chips or anything resembling chips you are fine. But even if they find a tally sheet they can arrest you. Edited August 9, 2014 by Neeranam 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morakot Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 (edited) I agree there is no sense to such a law. I think it clearly states that you cannot have several decks of cards which are not licensed. Playing Cards Act BE 2486 Section 8. No person shall possess more than one hundred and twenty playing cards or sell playing cards irrespective of their quantity, unless those playing cards have been produced by, or have been stamped with the seal of, the Excise Department. Section 14 bis. Whoever violates section 6, section 8 or section 9 shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of not exceeding three years or to a fine in an amount of four times of the price of the playing cards of the same kind sold by the Excise Department but not less than five hundred Baht or to both. Edited August 9, 2014 by Morakot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neeranam Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 I agree there is no sense to such a law. I think it clearly states that you cannot have several decks of cards which are not licensed. Playing Cards Act BE 2486 Section 8. No person shall possess more than one hundred and twenty playing cards or sell playing cards irrespective of their quantity, unless those playing cards have been produced by, or have been stamped with the seal of, the Excise Department. Section 14 bis. Whoever violates section 6, section 8 or section 9 shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of not exceeding three years or to a fine in an amount of four times of the price of the playing cards of the same kind sold by the Excise Department but not less than five hundred Baht or to both. I came through customs one with a box of playing cards from a mate who is the manager of a casino. 12 packs in total and they did look at them but said nothing. I was caught playing poker in a bar once with lots of chips(good quality) on the table. They took us away, realized we weren't gullible tourists and let us off, even coming back to the bar and drinking with us until 2 am. The police really only care if you encroach on their business. My next door neighbour is a croupier in a casino that changes location every couple of weeks in Khon Kaen. On my soi, there are two betting shops. There is horse racing every Sunday. Lottery, need I go on? There are many laws which are not enforced like prostitution and gambling. Some people get overly paranoid about gambling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tywais Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 PLaying poker online is legal in Thailand as long as the site is not based in Thailand. Don't believe it is. From a past post I made regarding the subject. Let's just say I wouldn't trust how the BIB may interpret the law. The fact is you are sitting in Thailand gambling. CRACKDOWNS ONLINE The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) estimates that 80 percent of the Thai population was involved in gambling during the 2006 World Cup. And during ‘Euro 2008’ more than 1,000 people were arrested in Thailand for gambling on football matches, with nearly one million baht seized. This tournament season the MICT is targeting online gambling transactions, having blocked 246 betting-websites on local and international servers just prior to the start of the matches. TOT, a state agency under the Ministry, is red-flagging telephone numbers for unusually heavy-use during the tournament in attempt to monitor and determine whether these numbers are involved in illicit gambling. thailawforum Thai police have conducted an online gambling raid in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand and they’ve arrested four individuals that are suspected of operating an illegal online gambling business. Owning or playing at any online gambling site is strictly prohibited in Thailand. Source And another article - Thailand Cracks Down on Live Poker Game and Arrests 9 Expats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neeranam Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 (edited) I wrote to Ladbrokes, and they assured me that what I said was the law. They even have a Thai language option on their site http://games.ladbrokes.com/th A company raking in millions of dollars a week would not risk losing their license without their lawyers doing the proper research. Tywais, thanks for not closing this topic as usually happens. There are many online pros in Thailand, especially after black friday, and to find out the reality would be useful for many. Edited August 9, 2014 by Neeranam 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 there are cards sold so it can't illegal. But most of the times I have seen money on the table = illegal I THINK I am right in saying that they can only be sold under licence. In theory (and I don't want to sound/act like a traffic warden) a few of us could be enjoying a friendly game of Bridge an, perhaps after a tip off, the BiB turn up and cause problems for us. I am not trying to be melodramatic but with prison sentences up to 10 years at stake I don't want to fall foul of the law. These I have seen had outside some "tax strip" don't know how to call it, similar to that on top of wine bottles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 there are cards sold so it can't illegal. But most of the times I have seen money on the table = illegal Not true, just because its available doesnt mean its legal. Just look at all the various pharmacueticals that can be bought from street vendors, the Ladies on the street etc, all illegal but readily available. these I have seen had this "tax-strip" on the package, like the wine and they were unreasonable expensive. So I assumed that they were legal. I think, and I am not sure if I may remember wrong, that I have seen these in a normal supermarket. But I'll ask wife..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 there are cards sold so it can't illegal. But most of the times I have seen money on the table = illegal I THINK I am right in saying that they can only be sold under licence. In theory (and I don't want to sound/act like a traffic warden) a few of us could be enjoying a friendly game of Bridge an, perhaps after a tip off, the BiB turn up and cause problems for us. I am not trying to be melodramatic but with prison sentences up to 10 years at stake I don't want to fall foul of the law. Every 7/11 sells them behind the counter. http://www.pagat.com/national/thailand.html PLaying poker online is legal in Thailand as long as the site is not based in Thailand. maybe 7/11 has the license? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jip99 Posted August 9, 2014 Author Share Posted August 9, 2014 there are cards sold so it can't illegal. But most of the times I have seen money on the table = illegal I THINK I am right in saying that they can only be sold under licence. In theory (and I don't want to sound/act like a traffic warden) a few of us could be enjoying a friendly game of Bridge an, perhaps after a tip off, the BiB turn up and cause problems for us. I am not trying to be melodramatic but with prison sentences up to 10 years at stake I don't want to fall foul of the law. Every 7/11 sells them behind the counter. http://www.pagat.com/national/thailand.html PLaying poker online is legal in Thailand as long as the site is not based in Thailand. maybe 7/11 has the license? I imagine that if anyone has a license the 7/11 would have. I am sure if I have a card pack with a sort of 'duty paid' sticker on, and we are not playing for money, then I will remain on the right side of the law. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tywais Posted August 9, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted August 9, 2014 I wrote to Ladbrokes, and they assured me that what I said was the law. They even have a Thai language option on their site http://games.ladbrokes.com/th The problem I have with that is it is in their best interest to support their site. You may find it interesting to put into Google search - online gambling Thailand -. You will find hits from many companies offering it including having the Thai language option. However, you will also find when trying to access many you will get the MICT message. That is pretty clear to me that it is not legal in Thailand. As for Ladbrokes, I doubt their license is in jeopardy as they are legal in their country, but those who play in countries that it is illegal are themselves doing an illegal activity. Back to the card playing, as mentioned it is in the Playing Cards Act 2486. This shows it is not illegal to own or play cards but no gambling, monetary exchange can be done. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neeranam Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 I wrote to Ladbrokes, and they assured me that what I said was the law. They even have a Thai language option on their site http://games.ladbrokes.com/th The problem I have with that is it is in their best interest to support their site. You may find it interesting to put into Google search - online gambling Thailand -. You will find hits from many companies offering it including having the Thai language option. However, you will also find when trying to access many you will get the MICT message. That is pretty clear to me that it is not legal in Thailand. As for Ladbrokes, I doubt their license is in jeopardy as they are legal in their country, but those who play in countries that it is illegal are themselves doing an illegal activity. Back to the card playing, as mentioned it is in the Playing Cards Act 2486. This shows it is not illegal to own or play cards but no gambling, monetary exchange can be done. The MICT change their minds a lot and I noticed that they block the Daily Mail online. Just because they block it doesn't mean it's illegal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 I wrote to Ladbrokes, and they assured me that what I said was the law. They even have a Thai language option on their site http://games.ladbrokes.com/th The problem I have with that is it is in their best interest to support their site. You may find it interesting to put into Google search - online gambling Thailand -. You will find hits from many companies offering it including having the Thai language option. However, you will also find when trying to access many you will get the MICT message. That is pretty clear to me that it is not legal in Thailand. As for Ladbrokes, I doubt their license is in jeopardy as they are legal in their country, but those who play in countries that it is illegal are themselves doing an illegal activity. Back to the card playing, as mentioned it is in the Playing Cards Act 2486. This shows it is not illegal to own or play cards but no gambling, monetary exchange can be done. The MICT change their minds a lot and I noticed that they block the Daily Mail online. Just because they block it doesn't mean it's illegal. Online gambling was always a hot topic and must be blocked and prevented at all costs was the strategy of all Shinawatra governments and I guess the other governments are the same as they don't want a problem with the religious fanatics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tywais Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 The MICT change their minds a lot and I noticed that they block the Daily Mail online. Just because they block it doesn't mean it's illegal. Actually Neeranam, you just reinforced my previous comment. It was blocked due to something that is illegal in Thailand but not there. However, let us not go down that road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon43 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 I noticed that they block the Daily Mail online. Just because they block it doesn't mean it's illegal That site is blocked because of a specific news article... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neeranam Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 (edited) The reason many bettors use online sites is that under the Civil and Commercial Code (section 853 and 855) it states that gambling debts are not enforcable. The law treats it like the bet never existed. If your bookie does not pay then there is no recourse. I do wonder, however, if the bookie at the Muay Thai didn't pay, if there was any recourse. Betting here(as anyone who has been to Lumpini ring knows) is illegal but it happens openly in public with millions of baht changing hands. The bettors use websites that work in that the bet is actually placed in the Isle of Man or the Phillipines, where gambling is legal. You are physically in Thailand but the bet is placed abroad. The Thai government holds no jurisdiction. The majority of Thai bettors are not worried about the police but whether or no the win will be paid. Edited August 9, 2014 by Neeranam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neeranam Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 I noticed that they block the Daily Mail online. Just because they block it doesn't mean it's illegal That site is blocked because of a specific news article... Ok, I guess I'll never know what it was. I don't care btw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farang000999 Posted August 9, 2014 Share Posted August 9, 2014 LOL Neeranam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinjo14 Posted August 10, 2014 Share Posted August 10, 2014 I checked with William hill before World Cup to see If I could bet from thailand using European bank account and they apologised and said they couldn't accept any bets from someone based in thailand even tho using an account from abroad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morakot Posted August 10, 2014 Share Posted August 10, 2014 I came through customs one with a box of playing cards from a mate who is the manager of a casino. 12 packs in total and they did look at them but said nothing. I was caught playing poker in a bar once with lots of chips(good quality) on the table. They took us away, realized we weren't gullible tourists and let us off, even coming back to the bar and drinking with us until 2 am. The police really only care if you encroach on their business. My next door neighbour is a croupier in a casino that changes location every couple of weeks in Khon Kaen. On my soi, there are two betting shops. There is horse racing every Sunday. Thanks for info. Take care. All the best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisinth Posted August 10, 2014 Share Posted August 10, 2014 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> there are cards sold so it can't illegal. But most of the times I have seen money on the table = illegal I THINK I am right in saying that they can only be sold under licence. In theory (and I don't want to sound/act like a traffic warden) a few of us could be enjoying a friendly game of Bridge an, perhaps after a tip off, the BiB turn up and cause problems for us. I am not trying to be melodramatic but with prison sentences up to 10 years at stake I don't want to fall foul of the law. I think you are nearly right Jip. From what I understand, at least on advice given to me (police source), was that playing cards were legal to be sold. However, if playing cards were used or provided by a premises (this was namely the wife's bar) then the premises would be required to have a gaming licence. This also applies to a bar having a pool table or snooker table! As said earlier, this was my understanding, and I didn't follow it up. We had a couple of people playing crib (yes, people still play it) and it was my crib board and cards. So, not really sure how good the info is. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neeranam Posted August 10, 2014 Share Posted August 10, 2014 I checked with William hill before World Cup to see If I could bet from thailand using European bank account and they apologised and said they couldn't accept any bets from someone based in thailand even tho using an account from abroad Strange, that's not what they told me about their poker site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.png.3b3332cc2256ad0edbc2fe9404feeef0.png)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now