Showing 1 - 10 of 645
Betting on the wrong horse
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/08/2025
» In times of economic challenge and amid simmering border tensions with Cambodia, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who doubles as interior minister, has quietly overturned a 67-year-old ban on poker, reclassifying it from gambling to a recognised sport. The sudden move, which happened without public consultation, has sparked criticism and fuelled suspicion about the government's true priorities.
Mental health problems increasing in Thailand
News, Published on 07/08/2025
» Some 13.4 million Thais claim to have experienced mental health problems, with people aged 45–59, known as the pre-senior group, reporting the lowest happiness levels, according to the Thai Health Report 2025.
Opposition suspicious about sudden change on poker
Published on 06/08/2025
» The opposition Bhumjaithai Party has voiced suspicions about the timing of an order to revoke outdated regulations and legalise poker tournaments in Thailand.
Govt clarifies stance on poker policy
News, Post Reporters, Published on 06/08/2025
» Poker will only be played as a sport with oversight from an authorised association, which is in the process of being set up, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
Poker becomes legal for tourneys
News, Post Reporters, Published on 05/08/2025
» Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has officially signed an order legalising poker games for money under controlled conditions, with the aim of paving the way for international-level tournaments to be held in the country.
Be wary of betting
Oped, Editorial, Published on 18/07/2025
» After the casino initiative, wrapped in a contentious entertainment complex bill, fell flat, the ruling Pheu Thai Party is now touting controversial legislation on legalising online gambling, citing the need to increase state revenues.
Welcome all, equally
Oped, Postbag, Published on 18/07/2025
» Re: "Fast immigration lanes for Chinese students' families at Thai airports", (BP, July 13).
Safety fears, not casinos, keeping Chinese away, argues Paetongtarn
Post Reporters, Published on 09/07/2025
» Suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has denied Chinese President Xi Jinping discouraged Chinese from visiting Thailand because of her party's plan for legal casinos, saying that people's safety was the prime concern.
Opposition blames tourism losses on casino policy
Online Reporters, Published on 09/07/2025
» Anutin Charnvirakul, former interior minister and leader of the now opposition Bhumjaithai Party, blames a sharp decline in Chinese arrivals and losses in Thailand's tourism sector on the Pheu Thai-led government's dismissive attitude towards Chinese President Xi Jinping’s repeated warnings against its casino legalisation policy.
Casinos to entertainment capital
Oped, Published on 09/07/2025
» Casino "integrated resorts (IRs)" -- framed as "entertainment complexes (ECs)" in Thailand -- have proved to be hugely transformative for tourism, destination image, the economy, policy creation, and society.