BANGKOK — Poker in Thailand has undergone a dramatic transformation in less than three months—from illegal gambling activity to officially recognized sport, and back to gambling again.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an order on October 22, 2025, reversing a July 30 announcement by former Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai that had granted poker sports status. The reversal aligns with the government’s parliamentary pledge to crack down on illegal gambling and oppose gambling operations disguised as sports.
The decision has forced the Poker Association of Thailand to suspend all operations. Association President Pol. Lt. Gen. Latsanya Piensampar said on October 24 that continuing activities could risk arrests and damage Thailand’s international reputation.
“This order directly impacts us. We’ve had to halt everything—planned events, athlete development for Asian and world-level competitions, and opportunities to host international tournaments that could bring significant revenue to Thailand,” Latsanya said. The association’s board will meet October 27 to chart a new course.
“It’s disappointing to suspend everything. I hope people won’t see this as political revenge, but rather consider what poker could contribute to the nation,” he added.
Former Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, now Acting Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, sharply criticized the decision as running counter to global trends and tourism-driven economic development. He questioned whether it serves political interests over national benefit.
Sorawong pointed out that the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) recognized poker as a “Mind Sport” in 2024, acknowledging its requirements for analytical thinking, strategy, and mental discipline. Thailand’s Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) officially recognized poker and flag football as sports in July 2025, with clear regulations prohibiting gambling at competition tables.
Internationally, poker federations span over 50 countries with more than 450,000 registered athletes and over 100 million players worldwide. Sorawong argued Thailand could capitalize on this by hosting an annual “Poker Tour Festival.”
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) estimated that tournament participants spend an average of 20,000 baht daily during 7-14 day stays. A single event attracting 10,000 participants could generate over 1.4 billion baht ($42.7 million).
“Poker isn’t gambling—it’s a strategic sport that many countries use to boost tourism and attract high-spending visitors. This decision shows politics trumping economics rather than national development. The government rushes to brand poker as gambling over public concerns, yet ignores negative consequences of its free cannabis policy,” Sorawong said.
“Why allow an unregulated narcotic business without safety standards while blocking a sports tourism activity that could generate massive revenue? Thailand risks losing hundreds of millions of baht per event and falling behind neighboring countries competing for affluent tourists,” he concluded.
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