Playing cards are great to take on holiday as they can provide easy entertainment at any time. However, Brits heading to a popular country this summer have been issued a warning about carrying too many playing cards.
Tourists face jail time for carrying more than 120 playing cards in Thailand. The Southeast Asian holiday hotspot introduced the Playing Cards Act of 1943 to combat illegal gambling. Those found with more than 120 cards without a license face fines or even imprisonment.
British tourists are urged to be mindful of this unusual law. They are advised to avoid playing cards or gambling in public spaces.
Although it’s illegal, the gambling industry makes up the equivalent of billions of pounds each year in Thailand’s underground economy. In 2018, over 750 were arrested, including an Irish model who was arrested for “promoting” online gambling.
Earlier this year, British tourists were among seven arrested at a gambling den in Pattaya, Thailand. Their underground casino, located just two blocks away from a police station, was raided by immigration officers on January 6.
Police seized a gambling table, several decks of playing cards, poker chips, mobile phones and 5,000 baht (£112) from the casino. The operator of the casino claimed he rented the room and converted into a casino for foreign gamblers.
Poker, slot machines and baccarat fall under Thailand ‘List A’ of the Gambling Act of 1935. People who organise these games face jail time or large fines.
Gavin Lapidus, Company Director at the travel agency eShores, previously said: “It’s really important that travellers are aware of local laws and customs, as the rules in destination countries may be very different to their own.
“While some of the stranger laws around the world may seem odd to us, it’s crucial to check each destination before travelling.
“Places often have restrictions on what medicine can be taken into the country, unique driving laws, different guidelines about gender and sexuality, as well as a myriad of other local rules.
“The two most important things are to do your research in advance and to respect local laws and customs.”
It comes after the Tourism Authority of Thailand announced that from May 1, all non-Thai nationals will need a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) to enter the country.