Government official gives approval for international poker tournaments to become legally sanctioned events
In a significant shift for Thailand's gaming landscape, the Interior Ministry, under the leadership of Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, has lifted the ban on poker. The order, signed on August 4, 2025, marks the end of a 1958 directive that had effectively prohibited poker in the country [5].
This move comes after poker was recognized as a sport by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) in late July 2025 [3][4]. This recognition paves the way for a new legal and social recognition of poker within Thailand. The lifting of the ban has opened the door for a formal legal framework to regulate poker activities in a controlled and legal environment.
The first signs of this new era for poker in Thailand were evident at the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition, held from July 31 to August 5, 2025, at UOB LIVE @ EMSPHERE in Bangkok. This world-class poker festival attracted over 2,300 entries and set a world record, signaling a newly legitimized competitive poker scene [1][2].
Minister Wechayachai has emphasized that poker's status as a sport internationally necessitates a careful consideration of legal frameworks. He has assured that any move to legalize poker must be backed by proper legal processes and safeguards [6].
Despite concerns regarding gambling addiction, Minister Wechayachai has expressed no worries, stating that the legalization of poker is a sensitive issue requiring careful consideration [1]. He has also confirmed that he has signed an order to revoke outdated regulations, aiming to legalize poker in Thailand [5].
In summary, the regulatory ban on poker was lifted in early August 2025 by the Thai Interior Ministry’s order signed by Phumtham Wechayachai, and poker is now legalized under a developing regulatory framework that formally treats it as a sport, allowing legal competitive poker tournaments and broader acceptance [3][4][5]. The establishment of a formal regulatory framework is still in progress, ensuring a controlled and safe environment for poker activities in Thailand.
This shift in Thailand's gaming landscape, following the recognition of poker as a sport, has led to international politics and sports intersecting, as the Acting Prime Minister emphasizes the need for careful policy-and-legislation in legalizing poker. The legalization of poker is also attracting general news attention, as the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition sets a world record, signaling a new era for competitive poker in the country. Despite gambling concerns, the intention to legalize poker under a developing framework suggests a broader social acceptance and integration of poker into Thai society.
