Thailand's Interim Prime Minister Lifts Longstanding Ban on Poker Tournaments, Aims to Host International Gaming Events
After a 63-year ban, poker tournaments in Thailand are now legally permitted under strict conditions following the repeal of a 1958 ban by Interior Ministry Order No. 2253/2568. This reclassification of poker as a sport, rather than gambling, allows for regulated international-level poker tournaments to be staged legally.
The government plans to develop a comprehensive oversight and legal structure before poker tournaments can be widely held. A Poker Sports Association is set to be established to manage and authorize official events. Offline tournament poker is being promoted primarily to boost international tourism, but casual or private poker games remain illegal.
Regarding destination casino resorts, the situation remains unchanged and more restrictive. Efforts to introduce legal casino gaming in Thailand's large entertainment complexes have stalled, with a draft casino bill recently withdrawn from the House agenda due to public opposition and political complications. Thus, casino resorts remain illegal in Thailand at present.
Online poker remains illegal under Thai law, with severe penalties for organizers and uncertain risks for players using offshore sites. Discussions about future legalization of online gambling are ongoing.
In summary:
| Aspect | Status as of August 2025 | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Tournament Poker | Legalized for regulated international events under strict control; full legal framework pending; no casual/online play allowed | | Casino Resorts | Still illegal; casino legalization efforts stalled amid political and social opposition | | Online Poker | Illegal; playing offshore sites still possible but risky; future legalization discussions ongoing |
This cautious, limited legalization focused on tourism and international poker tournaments specifically, without broader gambling liberalization at this time. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechachai stated that competitions will be limited and approved on a case-by-case basis, and he mentioned that many international federations now recognize poker as a sport. The lifting of the ban on tournament poker is also intended to boost tourism in Thailand.
Poker enthusiasts might be interested to know that sports-classified tournament poker, intended to boost international tourism, is now legally permitted in Thailand, albeit under stringent conditions and pending the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework. However, casino resorts remain illegal in Thailand due to stalled legalization efforts. Online poker remains off-limits, with organizers facing severe penalties and players using offshore sites facing uncertain risks, as discussions about its future legalization continue.
