Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai recently defended the government's decision to reclassify poker as a sporting event, clearly stating that this adjustment was made to support the development of international sports events, not to promote the expansion of gambling or entertainment complexes.
According to the Pattaya Mail, Phumtham told the media at the government building that this policy change stemmed from a reassessment of outdated laws from 1958. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has been pushing to position poker as an internationally recognized intellectual sport, to align Thai laws with global sports standards.
"Under the new classification, poker will no longer be seen as a gambling activity," Phumtham pointed out, noting that the current Gambling Act's provision that lists poker as a Category B gambling activity will be abolished. The updated regulations aim to support regulated international poker tournaments held in Thailand.
In response to external doubts about the lack of public participation in the policy, Phumtham responded that administrative decisions do not always need to seek public opinion beforehand, and the government has a responsibility and has fully explained the administrative considerations of this move, which are not ideologically driven.
It is noteworthy that the Tourism Authority of Thailand hopes that this change will enhance Thailand's image as a host country for international sports events, especially in the field of competitive sports and intellectual games.
Regarding speculations that the reclassification of poker cards is related to larger-scale entertainment complex or casino development plans, Phumtham explicitly denied: "The poker policy adjustment has no connection with entertainment center projects."
Although the statement has sparked mixed reactions in society, with some people questioning the timing and transparency of the policy adjustment, government officials insist that the core purpose is to enhance Thailand's capacity to host international sports tourism, not to promote the legalization of gambling.
