Campaigners voice doubts over sudden rule alteration in poker tournaments
In a surprising turn of events, a poker tournament in Thailand has sparked controversy, with the opposition Bhumjaithai Party expressing suspicions about the timing of an order to revoke outdated regulations and legalise poker tournaments.
On July 30, the Interior Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, signed an order revoking a 1958 ministry regulation that had banned poker contests. However, it's important to note that this move does not equate to full deregulation. As Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn clarified, the move is part of a formal process to recognise poker as a sport, not the legalisation of gambling in general.
The tournament, which took place despite the organisers not applying for permission, was initially planned to be postponed. However, it was delayed by only one day. The committee, which summoned representatives from the Department of Provincial Administration and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to discuss the tournament, viewed the event as illegal gambling.
Evidence suggests gambling was indeed involved in the poker contest, with cash prizes and online betting promoted through various websites. This has fuelled concerns, especially since the Interior Ministry is one of the lead agencies in charge of preventing gambling in Thailand. Committee members were curious about why the organisers were confident they would obtain approval.
Korrawee Prissananantakul, a Bhumjaithai MP, stated that his committee had learned about a planned poker tournament last week. The party has expressed concerns that the timing of the regulatory change appears politically motivated or otherwise questionable, though the specific details about their suspicions are not clearly provided in the available search results.
Mr Sorawong, who is likely a reference to the Tourism and Sports Minister, emphasised that poker can only be played during specific events and after a formal Poker Sports Association is established. He also called for the matter to be referred back to the ministry.
In a surprising twist, Mr Korrawee, another individual mentioned but not identified, expressed a desire for Thailand's border communities to receive government help as quickly as a group of poker players did. This statement seems to be unrelated to the poker tournament controversy but adds to the intrigue surrounding the situation.
As the situation unfolds, further investigation from news reports or official statements from the Bhumjaithai Party or Thai government documents might be necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the party's concerns and the political context surrounding the timing of the regulatory change.
- The Bhumjaithai Party, with concerns about the timing of the legislation change, has questioned if the legalization of poker tournaments in Thailand is politically motivated or questionable, considering evidence of gambling involvement and cash prizes in a recent poker tournament that took place without permission.
- On the same note, theansas the Casino-and-Gambling industry expands with the legalization of poker tournaments, it remains uncertain if the event will lead to a full deregulation of casino-games like poker, as the Thailand government has made it clear that the move only recognizes poker as a sport, not the legalization of gambling in general.
