Update: Thailand Clears the Way for Regulated Poker Tournaments After New Ruling

After we reported last week that poker had been officially classified as a skill game in Thailand, the next steps have now started to fall into place. The recent update confirms what many had hoped for — regulated poker tournaments will be allowed in the country, but only under strict guidelines.

Good to know

• Only poker events approved by a future official sports association will be permitted.
• Betting during games remains illegal under Thailand’s Gambling Act.
• Poker still falls under activities needing special approval — it’s not freely allowed.

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed that poker is now being formally recognized as a competitive sport. However, this doesn’t mean everyday poker games are suddenly legal. The change only applies to sanctioned events and tournaments — and only after proper structures are in place.

As reported by the Bangkok Post today, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong explained the reasoning behind the move. “We are not trying to legalise gambling. Globally, poker is already adopted as a sport. I expect it will eventually be recognised in events like the Asian Games,” he said.

Interior Minister and acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai signed a new order (No. 2253/2568) on July 30 that scraps the decades-old 1958 directive that had banned poker entirely. That original ban was based on fears of gambling-related harm, but officials say times have changed.

The updated order still places poker under Category B of Thailand’s Gambling Act. That means it requires special permission and cannot be played casually or privately — at least not legally.

“It’s not full deregulation,” said Sorawong. “Poker can only be played during specific events, and only after a formal Poker Sports Association is established.”

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) pushed for the reclassification of poker as a sport. While the SAT board has already approved the idea, more steps are needed before tournaments can begin. These include a demonstration event and full establishment of an authorised association to oversee everything.

Chanin Rungthanakiat, secretary to the interior minister, said the recent order reflects a modern understanding of poker. The aim is to distinguish between competitive, skill-based play and traditional gambling.

Still, Sorawong made it clear that betting is not allowed, regardless of poker’s sport status. “If any form of betting is involved, it’s illegal. People cannot casually play poker unless permission has been granted,” he said.

When asked whether unsanctioned poker games would be treated as gambling, Sorawong didn’t hesitate: “Yes — if it involves betting or lacks official approval, it’s illegal.”

He also denied any connection between the poker decision and the government’s broader entertainment complex plans. “It’s completely unrelated,” he said. “The Interior Minister remains concerned about gambling — illegal gambling remains a criminal offence.”

In short, poker has a green light in Thailand, but only under tightly controlled conditions. There’s now a path forward for tournaments and official events, but the casual poker table is still off-limits unless it’s fully cleared by the right channels.

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