Key Moments:
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revoked legalized poker, reinstating a nationwide ban
- The order took effect immediately, reversing his predecessor’s policy
- Political shifts have caused uncertainty for future casino and gambling reforms
Policy Reversal on Poker
Thailand’s experiment with poker legalization was abruptly ended as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul restored the ban that had been lifted under the previous administration. Acting in his capacity as both prime minister and interior minister, Anutin acted swiftly after revoking the order initially approved by his predecessor, Phumtham Wechayachai. This policy change, reported by The Nation, came just weeks after a government pledge to eliminate gambling activity nationwide.
Government’s Position and Enforcement
The return to a strict anti-gambling stance was formalized on October 22 when Anutin signed an order canceling the earlier decision to allow regulated poker events. This move reflects a September 29 policy promise to ramp up enforcement and oversight throughout the gambling sector. Anutin’s repeated assertions emphasize that economic growth should not be dependent on gambling or broader gaming liberalization. With his administration now firmly in charge, previous efforts to consider casino and poker reform have been abandoned.
Political Landscape and Impact on Reform
The policy reversal on poker licensing underscores ongoing political tensions over the future of gambling regulation in Thailand. Earlier this year, there were attempts to advance casino legalization through parliament, but those efforts stalled in July during a period of political upheaval.
The dynamic shifted further when Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party left the coalition government in June and Paetongtarn Shinawatra was dismissed by the Constitutional Court in August. Shinawatra, a proponent of casino legalization, resigned as leader of the Pheu Thai Party on the same day the poker ban was reinstated, effectively ending the party’s push for gambling reform.
Return to Conservative Regulation
Reinstating the national ban on poker signals a move toward conservative regulation and a focus on social stability under Anutin’s leadership. By reversing the short-lived liberalization, the government has reinforced its belief that expanded gambling threatens community well-being. As a result, Thailand’s prospects for gaming liberalization and casino development face renewed uncertainty.
| Event | Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Poker legalized | Under previous administration | Brief permission for regulated poker |
| Poker ban reinstated | October 22 | Nationwide ban reintroduced |
| Policy declaration on gambling oversight | September 29 | Pledge for stricter enforcement |
| Pheu Thai Party leadership change | Same day as poker ban | End of push for gambling reform |
- Author
Daniel Williams
