The Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam
The start of foreign relations
Above: the start of foreign relations. Image courtesy Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, Bangkok.
Traders also arrived from Japan, the Arab world, England, Holland as well as France and often they had their own quarters or village communities. Chinese Money cards are produced in Thailand with Thai indices. The heritage resulting from the presence of foreign cultures in Thailand still exists today.
Background details in otherwise religious temple mural paintings frequently include scenes from daily life.
Above: Pai Pong Jin - Two color chess cards from Thailand
Above: typical example of 'Chinese' cards exported to Far Eastern countries by Belgian manufacturers such as Brepols or Van Genechten.
Above: Chess players, detail from 18th century wall painting illustrating Ramakien story in the Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok.
Above: Gamblers, detail from 18th century wall painting illustrating Ramakien story in the Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok.
Chinatown Gambling Houses, c.1900
Above: 1900; A ‘First Class Gambling House’ in Bangkok’s Chinatown area.
Above: Talat Nang Loeng market, 1900, which was also known for its illegal gambling houses. The entrance still stands today in Bangkok’s Chinatown district.
More contemporary images depict card playing in everyday life.
Thai Gambling laws
The first indication that the Siamese government recognised card playing to be a form of the obsession for gambling was reported in “Gambling in Siam”, Straits Echo, 19 April 1918, Page 6 read here►
A further report about gambling appeared in Malaya Tribune, 16 September 1930, Page 10 read here►
How Siam's "Poker Fiends" May Play Under New Laws, The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 15 September 1937, Page 3 read here►
Above: Wrapper from a brick of 8 Pai Thai playing cards
Thai Playing Cards Manufacturing Factory established 1938
The state-controlled Thai Playing Cards Manufacturing Factory, Bangkok, was established in 1938 and today produces about 400,000 decks per month read more →
The Thai Playing Cards Act, 1943►
Official Excise Department information page►
Thai police arrest elderly bridge players in Pattaya
Thailand has strict anti-gambling laws and it is illegal for individuals to possess more than 120 playing cards read more►
For another story about gambling in Thailand, click here►
Playing Card Related Ephemera
Above: Bric-a-brac shop sign in Bangkok. Perhaps 'Jack of Diamonds' might suggest making some cash from dealing?
Above: cigarette cards published by tobacco companies.
Above: Playing cards depicted on Thai matchboxes
Above: paintings inspired by Chinese playing cards from an exhibition in a Thai restaurant. Photographs by Adam Wintle - click to enlarge.
Above: cigarette cards have been published by foreign tobacco companies featuring Thai subjects, such as military uniforms or traditional costumes.
Above: mug produced by C.S. Thai Trading Company Limited.
“Learn Thai” Playing Cards, 2009
A set of cards aimed at the foreign adult learner of the Thai language is published by Lanna Innovation Co. Ltd. Their website states that “Adults learn language differently than children and adolescents. Our approach is one of engaged, problem-driven learning which seeks to leverage effective language learning tools and teaching methods.”
Above: cards from 44-card "Learn Thai" deck, described as an easy to use innovative system to learn faster through visual memory. Published by Lanna Innovation Co. Ltd, 2009.
Bio-Pack Flash Cards
Above: Bio-Pack flashcards produced for Thai biology students see more →
Children’s Educational Cards
As gambling is technically illegal in Thailand, playing cards are slightly taboo and parents wouldn't want their children to be playing with cards. However, a number of educational sets of cards can be found.
Above: cigarette cards featuring educational topics.
Above: Thai Children’s Colour Vocabulary Cards promoting Ovaltine Smart chocolate drink, 2016 see more →
Conjuring Playing Cards
Above: ‘Secret Magic Cards’ published by Hanky Panky Toys Thailand Ltd, 2006 see more →
Other Playing Cards and Card Games
Above: assorted Thai cards.
Above: Thailand has strict anti-gambling laws.
Above: Bangkok-themed card from Round the World card game published in 1961.
References
Autenboer, Dr Eugeen van: The Turnhout Playing Card Industry 1826-1976, Aurelia Books, Brussels 1976
Christopher John Baker, Pasuk Phongpaichit: A History of Thailand, Cambridge University Press, 2005
Ministry of Finance, Department of Commerce and Statistics (name varies), Statistical Yearbook of the Kingdom of Siam (title varies), 1916+.
By Adam Wintle
Member since March 15, 1997
View ArticlesAdam has been involved in developing the site as well as reviewing new decks and conducting research. He is particularly interested in innovation, Kickstarter and East Asian cards. He is a member of the IPCS and webmaster of the EPCS.
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