Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reintroduced a ban on all forms of poker in the country, reversing a previous order by his predecessor that saw the game decriminalized only two months ago.
According to a report by The Bangkok Post, Anutin this week signed a ministerial order rescinding the order issued by Phumtham Wechayachai in July. The new order is in line with Anutin’s previously stated anti-gambling stance announced on 29 September that includes opposition to games that are skill-based.
Phumtham had taken over the interior minister’s post this year after Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party split with the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Among his contributions during his brief time in the position was to sign an order legalizing poker games for money under controlled conditions, with the specific goal of enabling international-level poker tournaments to be held in the country.
Anutin’s decision to reverse that order is, The Bangkok Post noted, is in line with his policy platform to suppress all forms of gambling – including the Entertainment Complex Bill that Pheu Thai had promoted prior to its leader and former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra being removed from office.
Anutin was voted in as Thailand’s new Prime Minister in early September following Paetongtarn’s demise.
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