For the first time in history, Thailand will host a live World Poker Tour event. The announcement of WPT Prime Thailand marks a monumental step in both poker history and Thailand’s evolving scene of tourism and sports. With the full backing of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the event is not just a tournament, it’s a signal of Thailand’s readiness to become a global leader in mind sports.
Poker as a Mind Sport: Thailand Joins the Global Movement
In a move that mirrors progressive nations like Taiwan, Thailand has officially recognized Texas Hold’em as a mind sport, making it eligible for inclusion in the country’s national sports policies. This policy shift paves the way for legal poker events, government-supported training programs, and a stronger bridge between tourism and competitive strategy games.
On April 10, 2025, a landmark meeting took place between:
- Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports
- Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB
- Ms. Keta Ozolina, Vice President, WPT – Tour and Business Development
- Mr. Michael Chang, GM, WPT Asia Pacific
This high-level discussion confirmed WPT’s long-term commitment to building Thailand as a regional hub for competitive mind sports.
“The economic impact of the World Poker Tour® is proven globally, and Thailand is the perfect place to bring this iconic tournament.” — Keta Ozolina, VP of WPT
Thailand’s Vision: More Than Just a Tournament
WPT Prime Thailand is the first step in a multi-year vision and there would be satellites running on WPT Global to make it more accessible for players from all across the world. With government support, Thailand plans to host at least 3–4 events per year, marking a new chapter in the country’s tourism and sports landscape and making it a premier destination for competitive mind sports.
Goals of the Thailand-WPT Partnership:
| Objective | Impact |
| Establish Thailand as a mind sports capital | Elevates status in international sports tourism |
| Host 3–4 events annually | Increases global player traffic and economic returns |
| Train local poker industry talent | Builds job opportunities in hospitality, gaming, and event management |
| Align poker with tourism policy | Diversifies revenue sources and boosts high-value tourism |
This move complements Thailand’s broader push for gaming reform, as legislators work toward passing a casino legalization bill projected within the next five years. The bill would allow tightly controlled, zoned gaming while protecting Thai nationals through specific restrictions, opening the door for regulated world-class events.
Bangkok: A World-Class Poker Destination
The debut WPT Prime Thailand stop will be held in Bangkok, one of the most traveler-friendly cities in the world. While the exact dates and venue are yet to be announced, organizers are gearing up for thousands of international players to attend, generating revenue for local hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.
WPT Global’s regional team is already collaborating with Thai partners to prepare a seamless experience for both new and veteran players, ensuring that Bangkok becomes a recurring destination on the global poker map.
Qualify from Anywhere with WPT Global’s Passport Dollars
In an effort to make the event more accessible, WPT Global is offering online qualification through its innovative Passport Dollars program — a transferable, utility-based poker currency that allows players to craft their entire WPT travel experience.
How Passport Dollars Work:
| Feature | Benefit |
| Redeemable for buy-ins | Qualify for WPT Prime Thailand directly through online play |
| Use for travel and hotels | Up to $2,000 can be spent on flights, accommodations, and local travel |
| Transferable to friends/family | Ideal for groups and shared travel planning |
| Access to Passport Concierge | Personalized support from the WPT Global Passport Team |
| Use for online and live events | Unmatched flexibility across the WPT ecosystem |
Want to be a part of poker history? Qualify for WPT’s first-ever Thailand stop through WPT Global and turn your online grind into a memorable live poker experience in Bangkok. No matter where you are from, Passport Dollars lets you qualify from anywhere. Haven’t signed up yet? Sign up today and join the road to WPT Prime Thailand.
Keep following PokerProNews for more updates from the upcoming WPT Prime Thailand 2025 stop.
Source: Media Release
