The decision by the Thailand Sports Authority (SAT) to recognize poker as an official sport has sparked discussions about the possible reconsideration of the Integrated Resorts bill.

This move, which paves the way for hosting international poker tournaments in the country, was approved last week during an SAT meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit.

The initiative is expected to boost tourism in Thailand through poker events, beginning with the World Poker Tour Prime Thailand exhibition tournament scheduled for August 1–5.

Hundreds of players from around the world are expected to come to Thailand to compete in the tournament, which offers a guaranteed prize pool of THB37m (approximately $1.13 million).

A ray of hope for casinos

The decision to officially recognize poker as a sport coincided with the effective halt of work on the Integrated Resorts bill, which aimed to legalize casinos in the country.

Progress on the bill stalled after its main supporter — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, — became embroiled in a struggle to retain her position. She was temporarily suspended following the leak of a recording of her phone conversation, in which she apparently criticized the actions of the Thai army in the ongoing border dispute with Cambodia.

Despite her apologies, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bangkok demanding her resignation, and the Bhumjaithai Party left the coalition government, leaving the Prime Minister with a razor-thin majority.

At the same time, opposition to the bill grew among those against the legalization of entertainment complexes and casinos, which ultimately led to the bill’s withdrawal.

Nevertheless, the recognition of poker — a key component of casinos — as an official sport, along with news of a ceasefire in the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, offers hope to those who still believe in the future of the Integrated Resorts bill.

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