World Poker Tour® Announces Its Historic Debut in Bangkok, Thailand – Unlocking a New Era for Global Mind Sports Tourism

A New Chapter for Thailand’s Tourism & Sports Economy

During an official meeting on April 10th with Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and

Sports, and Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of the Thailand Convention &

Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Keta Ozolina, Vice President of WPT - Tour and Business

Development, emphasized the global recognition of Texas Hold’em as a leading mind sport and

its immense potential for boosting tourism and local economies.

“The economic impact of the World Poker Tour® is proven globally, and Thailand is the perfect

place to bring this iconic tournament,” Ozolina said.

(Left to Right)

Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Ministry of Tourism and Sports

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)

(Left to Right)

Ms.Keta Ozolina, Vice President of WPT - Tour and Business Development

Mr. Sorawong Thienthong , Minister of Ministry of Tourism and Sport

(Left to Right)

Mr. Michael Chang – General Manager of WPT - Asia Pacific Region.

Ms. Keta Ozolina, Vice President of WPT - Tour and Business Development.

Mr. Sorawong Thienthong , Minister of Ministry of Tourism and Sport

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)

Long-Term Vision for Thailand as a Mind Sports Hub

The WPT® Prime Thailand is not just a one-time event but a strategic move to establish Thailand

as a global center for mind sports. Building on this inaugural event, WPT® plans to host the

tournament seasonally - starting with one event per season and scaling to 3-4 events annually,

ensuring sustained growth and international engagement. This partnership marks a pivotal

moment in Thailand’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings, positioning the country as Asia’s

Premier Tourism Destination for both leisure and sports tourism.

As part of this long-term vision, the World Poker Tour® will also bring its global expertise in poker

mind sports to Thailand by training and developing local talent to meet the growing demand of

this emerging sector. This initiative aims to create sustainable job opportunities and lay the

foundation for a thriving poker mind sports ecosystem in the country.

A Global Event in a World-Class Destination

The Minister of Tourism and Sports reiterated that Texas Hold’em qualifies as a sports activity

under Thai policy, and in recognition of its economic potential, an interdepartmental task force

has already been established to support and facilitate the event.

This tournament is a major milestone, creating jobs, stimulating the local economy, and elevating

Thailand’s standing in the global sports tourism industry. The World Poker Tour® is excited to

bring this legendary event to Bangkok, offering both players and fans an unforgettable experience

like no other.

WPT® Global Passport Dollars: Your Ticket to WPT® Prime Thailand

As WPT® Prime Thailand prepares to welcome thousands of international players, WPT® Global

is making it easier than ever to join the action through its innovative Passport Dollars program —

a flexible poker currency that gives players full control over how, where, and when they experience

live poker events.

WPT® Global Passport Dollars can be used to buy into tournaments, cover travel and

accommodation, and even be shared with family or friends. For WPT® Prime Thailand, up to

US$2,000 in travel expenses can be drawn directly from the Passport Dollars balance, while the

remainder can be used to craft a full tournament schedule with support from WPT® Global’s

dedicated Passport Team.

Passport Dollars also work for online WPT® Global events and are fully transferable — making

them the most flexible path to world-class poker travel. With WPT® Prime Thailand on the horizon,

Passport Dollars offer players the chance to use the Passport Dollars for a once-in-a-lifetime

Thailand experience. For more details on available packages, and key event cut-off dates, visit

www.wptglobal.com.

Stay Tuned for Updates

Stay connected with us on our official channels for more information and confirmation on

tournament date and schedules.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Christine Sou

[email protected]

About WPT Global:

WPT Global is a trailblazer in the online poker realm, founded on the rich legacy of the World

Poker Tour's televised high-stakes games. It offers an innovative and secure platform, fostering

a fair and enjoyable poker experience. With a team built up of tech leaders and poker lovers, WPT Global is committed to advancing the game while ensuring player safety and game integrity. Operated by Seventip N.V., it adheres to strict licensing, promoting responsible gaming.

For more information, please visit our website at https://wptglobal.com.

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