Cards, dices, poker chips, board games, etc. in Thailand
I've read that cards have actually been outlawed a while ago in Thailand to crack down gambling. I know that it's illegal to own poker chips as that's classified as gambling paraphernalia, but what else is outlawed?
Some have also claimed that dice and some board games aren't allowed there, but I haven't been able to verify those claims.
What are the do's and don'ts in Thailand when it comes to card games/board games/misc. games? This question is about both legal repercussions and cultural stigma.
Best Answer
Wrong information.
You can buy playing cards quite legally in many shops in Thailand. 7/11 stocks them. They are expensive due to the high taxes charged, I believe one deck costs a ridiculous 400 Baht.
It is illegal to posess more than 120 cards that have not been purchased with the Thai tax paid.
It is illegal to import ANY number of cards. Maximum fine is 4 * price of similar cards sold in Thailand and maximum jailtime of 10 years.
http://www.thailawonline.com/en/thai-laws/laws-of-thailand/283-playing-cards-act-be-2486-1943.html
However I doubt if a single deck brought in by a tourist would cause any problems, just don't play with them in front of the immigration/customs desks.....
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Is it legal to play cards in Thailand?
The Playing Cards Act is a law in Thailand that prohibits individuals from owning more than 120 playing cards that have not been registered by the Excise Department. The current law was passed in 1943, superseding previous acts.Is poker chips illegal in Thailand?
With the exception of the government approved lottery and a couple of horse racing venues, gambling of any kind is prohibited in Thailand. Blatant gambling devices such as poker chips, roulette wheels, etc are banned in Thailand.Replacing Paper Money With Poker Chips for Board Games
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