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Suspicions escalate over abrupt poker rule alteration by opposition parties

Thai political party, Bhumjaithai, raises concerns over the timely issuance of an order to abolish outdated laws and legalize poker tournaments in Thailand.

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Controversy brews over sudden poker rule adjustment met with suspicion by opposition parties
Controversy brews over sudden poker rule adjustment met with suspicion by opposition parties

Suspicions escalate over abrupt poker rule alteration by opposition parties

In a surprising turn of events, Thailand's Interior Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, signed an order on July 30 to revoke a 1958 Interior Ministry regulation banning poker, just a day before an international poker tournament was scheduled to take place[1][2][5]. This sudden move has raised suspicions from the opposition Bhumjaithai Party, who question the timing and motives behind the easing of restrictions[3].

The government has clarified that the revocation is part of an ongoing process to recognize poker as a sport and regulate it properly, not a full legalization of gambling[1][2][3]. The move aims to facilitate international competitions and promote tourism, but a comprehensive regulatory framework and strict oversight are still in development[1][2][3].

The Bhumjaithai Party's concerns likely stem from the unusual timing and speed of this legal change, which skipped typical lengthy consultations and was signed just before the tournament, implying political or economic motivations rather than a fully transparent legal process[3]. However, government officials have emphasized that the move follows proper procedures and is a controlled step toward eventual formal legalization under strict regulation[3].

The poker tournament, despite being delayed by one day, was held on July 31[6]. The organizers had not applied for permission before the event, as inquired by the committee[4]. Despite the tournament being viewed as illegal gambling by the committee, the new order allows for poker contests to proceed under specific events and after the establishment of a formal Poker Sports Association[2][3].

Korrawee Prissananantakul, a Bhumjaithai MP, stated that his committee had learned about the planned poker tournament last week and summoned representatives from the Department of Provincial Administration and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to discuss it[7]. The sudden change raises concerns, especially since the Interior Ministry is one of the lead agencies in charge of preventing gambling in Thailand.

The new order does not allow for full deregulation of poker; it can only be played during specific events, and only after a formal Poker Sports Association is established[2][3]. The opposition's suspicions remain, but the government maintains that the move is a step towards modernizing laws and recognizing poker as a competitive sport while ensuring regulatory oversight[1][2][3][5].

[1] The Nation [2] Bangkok Post [3] Khaosod English [4] Thai PBS World [5] Reuters [6] Thai PBS World [7] Khaosod English

  1. The revocation of the 1958 ban on poker in Thailand is part of a larger trend toward recognizing casino-and-gambling activities, with poker now considered as a growing casino-games sector.
  2. General-news outlets have reported on the ongoing discussions surrounding the regulation of poker and other casino-games, particularly in relation to crime-and-justice concerns and the establishment of a formal Poker Sports Association.
  3. The Bhumjaithai Party's concerns about the recent easing of poker restrictions hint at potential political and economic motivations, raising questions about the transparency of gambling-trends in Thailand.

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