Thailand to Lift Ban on Poker Tournaments to Encourage Tourism

End of Poker Tournament Ban in Thailand

In Thailand, poker has largely been confined to illegal underground games due to a longstanding ban on official poker tournaments. However, the government is now considering lifting this prohibition to allow international poker events to take place once again.

Historical Context and New Developments

The ban on poker and related tournaments has been in place for approximately 65 years. The Thai authorities are revisiting these restrictions with the aim of attracting more visitors through hosting major regional poker events. This potential change is seen as a way to boost tourism.

Government’s Tourism Strategy

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechachai is actively promoting the idea of using poker tournaments as a tool to draw more tourists to the country. This decision might seem unexpected since poker events typically attract modest audiences, often numbering in the hundreds rather than thousands.

Looking Ahead

The scale of poker tournaments Thailand hopes to host following the ban’s removal has not been clearly defined. This initiative is part of a larger conversation about establishing new casino resorts in Thailand, which aim to increase foreign visitor numbers and encourage spending in hard currency.