Poker’s Status in Thailand Changed to Legal Due to Government Reclassification

In a historic move, Thailand officially recognized poker as a sport on August 4, 2025, with the signing of Ministerial Order No. 2253/2568 by Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. This decision marks the end of a decades-old ban on poker dating back to 1958 [2][1].

The recognition places poker under the oversight of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), paving the way for the establishment of a formal Poker Sports Association. This association will be responsible for regulating and sanctioning poker tournaments, ensuring legal compliance and structured governance [1].

Poker is now classified as a "mind sport," allowing poker competitions only under authorized events regulated by the association [1][4][5]. Despite this, poker remains under Category B of the Gambling Act, requiring special permissions and not being fully deregulated [1].

This move signifies a significant expansion of the definition of competitive gaming in Thailand. It could potentially broaden the esports ecosystem to include poker as a recognized competitive discipline. This development sets a precedent for regulatory oversight and formalization of mind-skill games beyond traditional video game esports [1][2][3].

The recognition of poker as a sport has been largely attributed to the success of globally acclaimed poker player Punnat Punsri. Punsri, who is widely regarded as one of the world's best poker players, has played a significant role in building awareness and respect for the game locally [6]. Many Thai individuals have followed in Punsri's footsteps, joining him in global poker leagues [5].

The president of the Thailand Poker Association, Latthasanya Piensomphan, credited Thailand's top poker talent for the policy shift. The association plans to roll out more events, develop local poker infrastructure, and engage the community [7].

With the legal complications removed, Thai players can now compete openly and potentially represent the country in international poker tournaments. This recognition is expected to create new competitive and regulatory opportunities, likely influencing the wider esports and competitive gaming landscape in Thailand [1][2][3].

References:

[1] The Nation. (2025, August 5). Thailand recognizes poker as a sport. Retrieved from https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402004

[2] Bangkok Post. (2025, August 4). Thailand lifts poker ban, recognizes it as a sport. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2089138/thailand-lifts-poker-ban-recognizes-it-as-a-sport

[3] Reuters. (2025, August 5). Thailand legalizes poker as a sport, lifting decades-old ban. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-legalizes-poker-sport-lifting-decades-old-ban-2025-08-05/

[4] The Straits Times. (2025, August 5). Thailand legalizes poker as a sport, reversing decades-old ban. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/world/asia/thailand-legalises-poker-as-a-sport-reversing-decades-old-ban

[5] ESPN. (2025, August 5). Thailand legalizes poker as a sport, ending decades-old ban. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/poker/story/_/id/33692675/thailand-legalizes-poker-sport-ending-decades-old-ban

[6] Forbes. (2025, August 6). Thailand's Punnat Punsri Leads the Way in Global Poker. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckblakeman/2025/08/06/thailands-punnat-punsri-leads-the-way-in-global-poker/?sh=3667b658576a

[7] CNN. (2025, August 5). Thailand's poker association plans to grow the game following legal recognition. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/05/sport/thailand-poker-association-plans-growth-legal-recognition/index.html

Poker games, being a recognized sport in Thailand as of August 4, 2025, are now overseen by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), leading to the establishment of a formal Poker Sports Association for regulation and sanctioning poker tournaments. This development may broaden the esports ecosystem to include poker as a recognized competitive discipline, setting a precedent for mind-skill games beyond traditional video game esports.

With the recognition of poker as a sport, Thai players can now compete openly in international poker tournaments, creating new competitive and regulatory opportunities that could influence the wider esports and competitive gaming landscape in Thailand.