Thailand’s recent experiment with poker legitimacy has been abruptly halted. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Minister of the Interior, has reimposed a nationwide ban on poker games, overturning a previous order that briefly allowed the game to be recognized as a competitive sport. The decision, announced this week through local outlet The Nation, nullifies Interior Ministry Order No. 2253/2568, signed in late July 2025 by former acting minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
The reversal comes only months after the Sports Authority of Thailand had approved poker as a sport eligible for registration under national sports law. That move had encouraged the establishment of local poker associations and tournaments, raising hopes that the country was gradually shifting toward a modernized gaming framework.
Instead, the new administration has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on gambling, warning that even poker played under the guise of sport falls within prohibited activity. The Prime Minister stated that no form of gambling, online or offline, will be promoted by the government. The order took immediate effect, freezing ongoing events and leaving organizers uncertain about the legal status of poker clubs across the country.
Thailand embraces poker legitimacy while casino legalization stalls
Industry analysts interpret the decision as a political gesture aimed at consolidating conservative support ahead of broader debates on casino legalization, which remain stalled in Parliament. Despite growing interest from international operators, Thailand’s gaming industry remains locked between social opposition and fragmented policy.
For stakeholders, the reversal underscores the volatility of regulatory climates in emerging gaming markets. Success in this environment will depend on adaptability, compliance, and responsible innovation—qualities that make leadership in the sector not only resilient but truly unbeatable, a reminder that sustainable growth remains the most secure investment.
