BANGKOK, April 19, 2025 — The following is a press release from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand:
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, along with Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), have revealed a cooperative agreement with the World Poker Tour (WPT) and Thailand RF Tourism and Sports Competition Club Co., Ltd. (RF) to bring the first-ever Texas Hold’em World Poker Tour (WPT) to Thailand.
A joint task force comprising representatives from various agencies will be formed to ensure the event receives full support, including logistical arrangements. The tournament, which is classified as a *sports demonstration*, will be held in Bangkok for a period of 14 days. It is anticipated to draw more than 10,000 attendees and will be broadcast to a global audience via networks such as ESPN, EURO Sports, and FOX, reaching viewers in over 150 countries. The event is projected to significantly boost revenue for Thailand’s hospitality, food and beverage, retail, and entertainment industries.
Ms. Keta O’Sullivan, Vice President of WPT, emphasized that Texas Hold’em is a globally recognized sport that combines strategic thinking, planning, and mental skill with substantial economic benefits. “Bringing WPT to Thailand will not only increase tourism revenue but also promote skills development and create job opportunities in the service sector. More than 1,500 specialized positions have already been created through pre-event preparations,” she said.
In 2023 (B.E. 2566), WPT organized events in 25 countries worldwide, generating over THB 40 billion in direct tourism revenue. As an example, the 2022 Paris event attracted 8,000 players and 25,000 spectators, contributing over THB 500 million to the local economy.
Mr. Leo Su, General Manager of RF, stated, “This sports demonstration is just the beginning. We intend to bring more world-class international events to Thailand, promoting sustainable tourism growth and long-term economic stimulus.”
SOURCE Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand
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