The Thai Poker Sports Association, together with HOPS, held a major closing event for the "Poker Essentials Course, Class 1," titled "The Final Assembly: Where the Course Ends, Memories Begin." This marked an important gathering of trainees and key figures in the Thai poker community.
On 27 Mar 2026 at Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, Bangkok, the Thai Poker Sports Association, in collaboration with HOPS (Haus of Prime Stakes) and Taenaatak Poker, hosted a grand closing event for the "Poker Essentials Course, Class 1," called "The Final Assembly: Where the Course Ends, Memories Begin." This was a significant reunion for course participants and Thai poker insiders.
The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Thana Julpanasak, president of the Thai Poker Sports Association; Mr. Jitnara Nawarat, the association's secretary-general; Ms. Jitjanya Permphat, the association’s public relations officer; Ms. Oranit Engchuan, Strategy Director of Taenaatak Company; Air Commodore Sitha Tiwari; and many other guests, reflecting the continuous growth of the poker scene in Thailand.
Mr. Thana Julpanasak, president of the Thai Poker Sports Association, stated that the association has been driving poker initiatives for over three years with sincere dedication, independent of political ties. Supported by a quality team from various sectors—including former prosecutors, police officers, civil servants, businessmen, and poker athletes—the main goal is to push for poker to be recognized as a "legal sport" to create jobs and stimulate the economy through tourism.
Currently, the Thai Poker Sports Association is the first and only organization in the country collaborating with leading universities to develop academic poker courses. It has over 3,000 members and organized the country’s first poker exhibition tournament in 2025. Additionally, it plays a social role by donating goods worth over 2 million baht to help flood victims in southern Thailand and during the Thai-Cambodian conflict.
Mr. Thana added that the future of Thai poker does not rely solely on the association but requires cooperation from all sectors, especially the poker community, to promote acceptance at the policy level. He also pointed out that hosting international poker tournaments in Thailand would generate income and reduce the outflow of money abroad.
Air Commodore Sitha Tiwari said that HOPS is an institute focusing on developing poker as a "Mind Sport." The courses are designed by experts and professional poker players, such as Pro Punnat Punsri, to teach skills in analytical thinking, decision-making, and strategic planning.
The atmosphere at the event reflected the strong community spirit among Thai poker players, who support and network closely with each other. The organizers hope that poker will gain greater acceptance in Thai society and eventually become an internationally recognized sport.