Poker community in turmoil! A lawyer submits a letter to the Ministry of Tourism expressing concern about the Sports Authority of Thailand's need to clarify organizational status.
On 14 August at 2:00 p.m., Mr. Rungroj Ruengprach, a lawyer and poker sports researcher, submitted a letter via Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, to express concern about the situation in Thailand's poker sports scene. He requested the Ministry, as the supervisory agency, to closely monitor developments in the sector, especially the role of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), during the ongoing effort to officially integrate poker into the sports system.
This situation arose after the SAT board resolved on 23 July 2025 to recognize poker as a sport in Thailand. This decision paved the way for poker's development within the sports framework and initiated the process of establishing a national sports association related to poker.
However, during this transition, some poker organizations have conducted activities promoted alongside government agency participation. This has raised questions about the clarity of these organizations' status and the appropriateness of government agencies' involvement with any particular organization.
Mr. Rungroj stated that the letter's purpose was not to accuse any organization but to express concern for the overall poker community, which is currently organizing and moving toward formal recognition as a sport. There should be clarity regarding organizational status, activities, and relationships with government agencies to prevent misunderstandings among athletes, supporters, and the public.
A key issue raised is the poker event on 17 August at the SAT building, which promoted participation by SAT executives. It was suggested that SAT should clarify whether their involvement constitutes general support for the activity or implies official endorsement of the organizing entity.
Since poker is still in the process of establishing a national sports association, government agencies or SAT executives engaging with specific organizations might lead the public to believe those organizations have government backing or endorsement. This could affect perceptions of other organizations working in the same field.
Concerns were conveyed to SAT to carefully consider the appropriateness and transparency of their operations, especially regarding cooperation or participation with any one organization while poker is still formalizing its sports structures, to avoid allegations or perceptions of favoritism or discrimination.
Recognition of poker as a sport does not mean all poker activities are unrestricted, particularly those involving betting or monetary stakes, which remain subject to relevant laws and authorities. Therefore, distinguishing between poker as a sport and as gambling is essential for proper development of this sport in Thailand.
Mr. Rungroj also believes that as poker transitions into the official sports system, relevant agencies should emphasize establishing clear standards regarding organizational status, competition management, athlete and personnel development, and activity operations, including public communication about SAT's role with various organizations and events.
This letter submission aims to urge the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, as the supervisory body, to closely monitor the poker sector in Thailand and to consider ways to clarify SAT’s role, particularly regarding involvement with poker organizations or activities during the process of forming the national sports association.
Additionally, SAT is encouraged to operate with neutrality, transparency, and consistent standards across all organizations involved in poker development to ensure all can operate under clear frameworks without perceptions that any one organization receives preferential status or government support over others.
"This letter signals the necessity to create clarity at this critical juncture for Thai poker sports—covering organizational status, SAT’s role, activity management, and the scope of government support—to ensure the sport’s development proceeds under clear, fair, and legally compliant guidelines," Mr. Rungroj said.