# Thailand is gearing up to host its inaugural World Poker Tour in 2025

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/entertainment/211086-thailand-is-gearing-up-to-host-its-inaugural-world-poker-tour-in-2025
- Published: 2025-04-20T16:10:49+07:00
- Author: SiamNews PR

Thailand will host the inaugural World Poker Tour in 2025, expecting a 1 billion
Baht economic boost, attracting over 10,000 visitors and enhancing tourism, employment,
and service sector growth.

## Key Points

 1. **Thailand’s First WPT Event:** In 2025, Thailand will host its inaugural World
    Poker Tour, marking a major milestone in blending global gaming culture with Thailand’s
    tourism.
 2. **Economic Impact:** The event is projected to bring in over 1 billion Thai Baht(
    approximately 29 million USD) in economic benefits, boosting industries like hospitality,
    food and beverage, retail, and entertainment.
 3. **Global Broadcast:** This poker tournament will be broadcast across more than 
    150 countries on major channels like ESPN and FOX, showcasing Thailand on an international
    stage.
 4. **Tourism Potential:** With over 10,000 expected attendees, this event is not just
    about poker—it’s set to enhance employment, skill development, and long-term growth
    in Thailand’s service sector.
 5. **Comparison to Past Events:** In 2022, a similar WPT event in Paris attracted 
    over 8,000 participants and 25,000 spectators, contributing around 500 million 
    Baht to the local economy—an indication of the potential scale for Thailand’s edition.

BANGKOK, April 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report by the Ministry of 
Tourism and Sports of Thailand: 

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Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, and Mr. Chiruit
Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Director of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau(
TCEB), have announced a strategic collaboration with the World Poker Tour (WPT) 
and Thailand RF Tourism and Sports Competition Club Co., Ltd. (RF) to host the inaugural**
Texas Hold’em World Poker Tour (WPT)** in Thailand.

A cross-agency joint task force will be established to provide comprehensive support
and logistical facilitation for the event. The tournament, structured as a _sports
demonstration_, will take place in Bangkok over 14 days. It is projected to attract
over 10,000 visitors and will be broadcast globally via channels including ESPN,
EURO Sports, and FOX, reaching audiences in more than 150 countries. The event is
expected to generate significant revenue growth for Thailand’s hospitality, F&B,
retail, and entertainment sectors.

**Ms. Keta O’Sullivan**, Vice President of WPT, highlighted that Texas Hold’em is
a globally recognized sport combining strategy, planning, and intellectual skill
with immense economic potential. “Bringing WPT to Thailand will not only boost tourism
revenue but also advance skill development and employment opportunities in the service
sector. Over 1,500 specialized roles have already been created through pre-event
preparations,” she stated.

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In 2023 (B.E. 2566), WPT hosted events in 25 countries worldwide, generating direct
tourism revenue exceeding THB 40 billion. For example, the 2022 Paris event drew
8,000 participants and 25,000 spectators, contributing over THB 500 million to the
local economy.

**Mr. Leo Su**, General Manager of RF, emphasized, “This sports demonstration marks
only the beginning. We plan to attract more world-class international events to 
Thailand, fostering sustainable growth in tourism and long-term economic stimulation.”

**Source** : [Minister Sorawong Establishes Joint Task Force to Facilitate Inaugural World Poker Tour (WPT) in Thailand, Targeting Over THB 1 Billion in Revenue](https://www.prnasia.com/story/archive/4668379_CN68379_0?rand=102387)

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