Questions raised over timing of Thailand’s poker legalisation
The legalisation of poker tournaments shortly before a major event has drawn scrutiny from opposition leaders.
Thailand.- The decision to legalise poker tournaments in Thailand is causing political controversy, with opposition leaders accusing the government of rushing through the move just one day before a major international poker event.
Signed on July 30, Order No. 2253/2568, revoked a 1958 Interior Ministry directive that banned poker contests. It classifies tournament poker as a sport and allows games to be held under strict conditions. Opposition figures have questioned the timing, since the signing occured a day before a scheduled tournament on July 31.
Opposition MP Korrawee Prissananantakul voiced concerns that the order may have been issued to retroactively greenlight an otherwise unauthorised event. Korrawee said organisers of the tournament had not obtained prior approval and initially told officials the event would be postponed, yet it was only delayed by a day.
“The Interior Ministry is supposed to be a key agency in the fight against illegal gambling,” Korrawee said. “This rapid change suggests there may have been external pressure or undue influence.”
The government has stressed that casual or unsanctioned poker games remain illegal under Thailand’s Gambling Act, where poker falls under Category B, activities requiring special government permission.
