Tournament poker can finally return to Thailand now that Acting Prime Minister (PM) Phumtham Wechachai has ended the ban from 1958. The reason for doing so is to attract international events and boost tourism, although cash games remain outlawed.
competitions will be limited and approved on a case-by-case basis
Phumtham remarked that many international federations now recognize poker as a sport, and he believes that Thailand needs its own legal framework for the activity. The 64-year-old did note that competitions will be limited and approved on a case-by-case basis.
Lawmakers have been considering another form of gambling expansion: destination casino resorts. These efforts appear to be on ice for the moment due to significant opposition from the public and the PM’s suspension.
