Thailand's government deliberates on categorizing poker as a sport

The WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition, set to take place at the UOB LIVE venue on the 5th floor of the EMSPHERE shopping mall in Bangkok from July 30 to August 5, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the development of the poker industry in Thailand [1][3]. This is the first-ever international poker festival in the country, and it comes as a result of Thailand recognising poker as a sport [1].

The main event buy-in for the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition is THB 37,000 (approximately $1,000 USD) [2][5]. While specific packages or different tiers of entry for the event are not detailed extensively in the available sources, the official buy-in for the championship event is clearly listed as 37,000 THB [2][5].

In addition to the poker competitions, the festival offers opportunities to experience Thai culture [1][3]. Two other packages are available, costing 7,000 THB (~$212) and 14,000 THB ($425) [4].

The recognition of poker as a sport in Thailand is part of the country's efforts to include mind sports and non-traditional sports in its sports scene. Alongside poker, American football has also been recognised [2]. The mental acuity and analytical thinking required in these sports are cited as reasons for their inclusion as mind sports [2].

The event is being held under Thailand's sports and tourism strategy, which focuses on developing new options for a younger generation of visitors [1]. The WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition is part of a 'Play + Travel' package, offering cultural experiences and access to three events [1].

The professional development of the poker industry in Thailand will now be supported, allowing poker athletes to compete globally at different competitive levels [3]. This recognition opens up opportunities for Thai poker athletes to compete on an international stage and further develop their skills.

For those seeking more detailed information on side events or packages, checking the official WPT or the event organiser’s site closer to the event might provide more comprehensive information [1].

Sources:

[1] The Nation Thailand. (2025). "WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition: Poker Makes its Debut as a Recognized Sport in Thailand." Retrieved from https://www.nationthailand.com/sports/30601427

[2] Bangkok Post. (2025). "Thailand Recognises Poker and American Football as Sports." Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/sport/1989768/thailand-recognises-poker-and-american-football-as-sports

[3] ESPN. (2025). "WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition: A New Era for Poker in Thailand." Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/poker/story/_/id/33287331/wpt-prime-thailand-exhibition-new-era-poker-thailand

[4] PokerNews. (2025). "WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition: Packages and Prices Revealed." Retrieved from https://www.pokernews.com/news/2025/07/wpt-prime-thailand-exhibition-packages-and-prices-revealed-10579.htm

[5] WPT. (2025). "WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition: Main Event Buy-in." Retrieved from https://www.wpglobalcasino.com/news/wpt-prime-thailand-exhibition-main-event-buy-in-10577.htm

At the UOB LIVE venue in Bangkok's EMSPHERE shopping mall, the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition, a significant milestone in Thailand's poker industry, will host various casino-games like poker, offering a main event buy-in of THB 37,000 [2][5]. Besides poker competitions, attendees can experience Thai culture through two additional packages priced at 7,000 THB and 14,000 THB [4]. Meanwhile, this recognition of poker as a sport in Thailand is part of the country's broader strategy to include mind sports and non-traditional sports, with American football also being recognized [2].