Asia represents a major growth opportunity for poker, but legal frameworks vary across the region. In Thailand, for example, most forms of gambling remain prohibited, with exceptions for government-run lotteries and horse racing.
Poker has had limited visibility or access in the country due to regulatory restrictions, but WPT is aiming to take the game where players haven't been before with the debut of the carefully worded WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition.
Running from July 30 to August 5, the 'exhibitions' of poker will take place at UOB LIVE, located on the fifth floor of the EMSPHERE, a premier lifestyle venue in Bangkok.
An announcement from WPT Global states, "WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition is open to players aged 18 and above from all regions, including local Thai participants.
"This exhibition presents a significant opportunity for poker players to compete at an international level while experiencing the rich culture of Thailand. Players, whether seasoned professionals or newcomers, are invited to take part in this landmark exhibition."
'Play + Travel'
Rather than a standard tournament buy-in structure, the Thailand Exhibition allows players to purchase travel packages that combine poker with Thai culture, offering a 'Play + Travel' journey. Each package includes entry to a selected exhibition event based on the chosen tier.
These 'Play + Travel' packages will be available for purchase "onsite at designated travel agency counters," with a range of prices to suit all players — 7,000 THB ($212), 14,000 THB ($425), and 37,000 THB ($1,125). The highest tier on offer provides entry into the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition Championship.
For players headed to Thailand, it's important to note that the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition is not considered an official event of the World Poker Tour and no WPT Player of the Year points will be accrued.
Images courtesy of World Poker Tour/Spenser Sembrat/WPT Prime
