Playing Cards in Thailand
Officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam
The start of foreign relations
For centuries Thailand has been on the trade route between India and China. The Portuguese were the first Westerners to trade with Ayutthaya in Thailand in the 16th century. Thus European playing cards may have been used alongside locally produced cards and hybrid varieties evolved.
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: 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.
During the nineteenth century Belgian manufacturers (eg Brepols, Van Genechten) produced "Chinese" cards for South-East Asian countries including Java, the Celebes, Thailand and possibly China as well. Van Genechten was the first to print this kind of playing card in Turnhout: he was also one of the last, having managed to keep a firm hold on his markets. It is recorded that 111 tons of playing cards were exported from Belgium to Thailand in 1938.
Left: typical example of 'Chinese' cards exported to Far Eastern countries by Belgian manufacturers.
For a story about gambling in Thailand, click here.
Thai Playing Cards Manufacturing Factory
The state-controlled Thai Playing Cards Manufacturing Factory, Bangkok, produces about 400,000 decks per month read more →
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 →
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: 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" cards, 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: Bangkok-themed card from Round the World card game published in 1961.