Poker is a well-known casino table game that has gained immense popularity around the world. Interestingly, the word "poker" in Thai language is represented by the term "ผีผีบอย" (Phun Pun-Phun), which means "ghost games." While this phrase holds no direct relation to the poker game, it is a quirk in Thai language and culture. If we delve deeper into the language of gambling in Thailand, we can find several terms that are particular to Thai culture. "โคทเทิล คลิง" (Kot Thieo Kla) literally translates to "quit the table," signaling the end of the game. Similarly, "เก้าอี้" (Kwan Oi) refers to a betting table. The name "เกมส์" (Kam), pronounced as "gam," stands for any game, while "งานแข่ง" (Kwan Hueai) refers to a competition. In Thai culture, poker isn't only about the gameplay but also the social aspect. The traditional betting practice among Thai gamblers is the game "หวย 9" (Ho-Pho-Hu-Yo), also known as "หวยลาว" (Ho-Laor), which is played with the Thai 9-ball billiard set—a mix of elements of pool and lottery. It mainly consists of two players betting on balls, with no pots or stakes. The game is usually played in casinos, with professional dealers, and the players' wagers are significant. The Thai lottery, known as "ลาว" (Lao), is another popular form of gambling. A four-digit number is drawn every Wednesday and Saturday from a pool of over 8,000 two-digit number sets. In Thai culture, gamblers often choose numbers based on their birthdates, dreams, and daily news to predict winning outcomes. The "ลาว" lottery has become so deeply rooted in Thai culture that it even inspires a lot of songs and literature, such as "Lottery Sellers," a classic Thai comedy movie about illegal lottery trading. While Thai culture prominently features poker and traditional gambling practices, Thailand imposes the strictest gambling laws in Southeast Asia. This is mainly due to the Buddhist belief that gambling is harmful and contradicts moral principles. Thai law regulates gambling activities with fines and imprisonment but permits certain forms of legal gambling, such as the Thai lottery, horse racing, dog fighting, and card games authorized under the Lottery Act in 1935. Nevertheless, the entices of poker and other gambling games make the Thais creative in their approach. Online gambling platforms allow Thai players to engage in a wide range of poker games and betting opportunities. Thai gamblers are adept in using virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the internet censorship in their country. In conclusion, Poker in Thai culture presents a unique blend of gaming traditions and social bonding. Thai gamblers, while adhering to strict legal regulations, explore various gambling options and maintain the ancient card games' essence. By understanding the terminology, practices, and the law in Thailand, players can navigate the Thai gambling landscape and, hopefully, have a memorable experience.