Only a month after recognizing poker as legal, the Thai government reverses course Poker enthusiasts in Thailand are facing a setback after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reinstated a nationwide ban on poker games. The decision, announced on Wednesday, immediately overturned a previous order from former interior minister Phumtham Wechayachai that had briefly legalized poker in
The new government opposes casino legalization, but may allow the public to decide Thailand’s Senate has formally rejected the country’s latest casino initiative, but lawmakers left the door open for future discussions by recommending that any attempt at legalization be decided through a public referendum. The move effectively ends the proposed Entertainment Complex Bill introduced
A government restructuring isn’t over, and this could provide a new path for casino legalization Thailand’s push to legalize integrated casino resorts through the Entertainment Complex Bill appeared to stall earlier this year, but some industry observers believe the initiative could still make a comeback. Speaking at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, Lau Kok Keng,
Despite the new PM’s attitude toward gambling, poker will reportedly be spared Thailand is moving ahead with recognizing poker as a sport, with the government reaffirming its position despite ongoing public debate. Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Interior Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that the policy remains in place and stressed that there will be
PM Anutin Charnvirakul has repeatedly expressed his opposition to the plans Thailand’s path toward casino legalization appears to have come to a halt with the appointment of Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s new Prime Minister. The 59-year-old leader of the Bhumjaithai Party was elected on September 5 after securing 311 votes in parliament, comfortably surpassing
The ouster is the death blow for the country’s attempt at legalizing casinos Thailand’s push to legalize casinos has come to an abrupt halt following the removal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. Recently, the country’s Constitutional Court voted 6-3 to oust her for ethical misconduct, a decision that also led to the dismissal
The WPT Prime Thailand Championship Event took center stage in the 25-tournament series China’s Haoran Sun claimed victory at the first-ever WPT Prime Thailand Championship, making poker history in the country’s inaugural officially recognized live tournament series. The landmark event, held at UOB LIVE inside Bangkok’s Emsphere Mall from July 31 to August 5, marked
Lawmakers will only move forward with public support, which continues to wane Thailand’s push to legalize casino resorts has stalled amid growing public resistance and political instability, despite early momentum and significant economic potential. The country’s proposed Entertainment Complex Bill, which once appeared likely to pass by the end of the year, has been pulled
The decision opens up new possibilities for poker and possibly gambling in the country Thailand has officially recognized poker as a sport, marking a significant shift in how the game is perceived in the country. The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) approved the move during a recent board meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya
The poker organization hopes to build on poker’s popularity in the region The World Poker Tour (WPT) has launched its first-ever Dealer Certification Program in Thailand, marking a significant step forward in the country’s growing poker scene. The event, held from May 20 to 24, 2025, in Bangkok, was a collaboration between the Thai Ministry
The government is officially putting the plans on hold amid public resistance and political scandals Thailand’s initiative to legalize casinos and entertainment complexes has come to an abrupt halt for 2025. Just recently, the Thai cabinet decided to withdraw a draft law intended to establish a regulated gambling industry. The government cited the need for
Controversy surrounding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra could be the breaking point Thailand’s plans to move forward with casino development are facing serious uncertainty following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court. The situation has sparked renewed efforts from opposition parties and civil society groups to derail the Entertainment Complex Bill, a
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