Thailand’s brief experiment with legalising poker has come to an abrupt end. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has revoked a July ministerial order that had recognised poker as a legal “game of skill,” reinstating the country’s long-standing ban on all card games linked to gambling. The country has also banned “Pai Phae” (a traditional Thai card game), which had been operating as a sporting activity.
The decision, announced through Interior Ministry Order No. 3179/2568, immediately nullifies the directive issued on 30 July 2025 under the previous administration. In a statement, Anutin reaffirmed his government’s “zero-tolerance policy” towards all forms of gambling, including those ‘disguised as sport.’ He said the current administration will not support any gambling-related activities, regardless of how they are presented.
Experiment draws to a halt
This policy reversal marks a major U-turn for Thailand. Just a few months ago, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) had formally recognised poker as an official sport, a decision that was warmly welcomed at the time as a turning point for the country’s sports tourism and entertainment sectors. The SAT, led by ex-deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, had argued that poker was a skill-based game requiring mental calculation, strategic planning, and psychological insight, rather than mere luck.
Officials hoped legal recognition would help Thailand host domestic and international poker tournaments, including WPT-linked events. The move coincided with the scheduled WPT Prime Thailand from 30 July to 5 August 2025, attracting hundreds of players and visitors. However, local media investigations linked the legalisation to lobbying by RF Club Co., Ltd., a local WPT representative.
Policy clouded by lobbying claims
According to Isra News, company officials met with Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister earlier in the year to propose hosting a Texas Hold’em demonstration event. The Interior Ministry’s legalisation order was issued just a day before the WPT event’s opening.
Opposition lawmakers and critics questioned the timing. Bhumjaithai Party MP Korrawee Prissananantakul accused the previous government of rushing the approval to legitimise a poker event retroactively. “It looks like there was external pressure behind this decision,” he said, warning that such sudden policy changes without public consultation could undermine public trust.
Gambling in Thailand is still heavily limited, with legal options including horse racing, the state lottery, and some sports betting. Casinos are illegal, but the underground gambling industry is estimated to be worth nearly $30 billion per year. Recently, police have stepped up efforts to shut down illegal poker clubs and online gambling networks in Bangkok, Phuket, and other areas in Pattaya.
The former Shinawatra-led government had argued that recognising poker as a sport would enhance Thailand’s appeal as a gaming and tourism hub, especially given that several Thai players have achieved professional status abroad. However, the new administration perceives matters differently.
Prime Minister Anutin has firmly opposed all forms of gambling liberalisation, warning that such moves could lead to “social and financial harm.” His latest order ends Thailand’s short-lived and controversial legalisation of poker, restoring the country’s strict anti-gambling stance and signalling a tougher approach to any form of betting.
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