Foreign Office warning Brits face prison for common game in holiday hotspot

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to British travellers about the trouble you could get in for packing a simple game.

Thailand'sstrict gambling laws could see you get in serious trouble if you aren't prepared for how fastidious the Southeast Asian nation can be.

"Thailand has strict laws on gambling. Under the Playing Cards Act (1943) it is illegal to carry over one hundred and twenty playing cards. Violation of the Act could lead to prosecution, a fine, or even imprisonment," the FCDO warns in a new update on its website.

There are other considerations to keep in mind when considering a visit to Thailand.

As of the start of May this year, the country - which once welcomed one million Brits at its pre-pandemic height and now welcomes around 800,000 annually - has implemented a fresh visa system applicable to all non-Thai passport holders.

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"From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive," details the FCDO on its official website.

British citizens are permitted to enter Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism, business meetings, and urgent or one-off work. This type of visa can be extended once for no more than an additional 30 days. However, the FCDO cautions that overstaying your visa could lead to severe consequences.

"If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht (£450). You risk being: held in detention, deported at your own expense, banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years. Conditions in detention centres can be harsh," the government body warns.

Travellers must also adhere to other specific entry regulations when visiting Thailand. Your passport must possess an 'expiry date' of no less than six months beyond your arrival date and contain at least one blank page. Entry will be refused if you lack a valid travel document or attempt to use a passport that has been declared lost or stolen.

If you hold dual nationality, it's advisable to depart Thailand using the same passport you used for entry – this prevents complications at immigration. You may also seek a multiple-entry visa in advance for stays of up to 60 days.

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From May this year, Thailand has reintroduced the requirement for tourist visa candidates to furnish financial evidence. This stipulation, which was briefly waived in November 2023 to encourage post-pandemic tourism, mandates that all candidates prove their capacity to sustain themselves throughout their visit.

According to Thailand's official e-Visa website, candidates must now present financial documentation displaying a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht. Valid documents encompass bank statements from the previous three months or a sponsorship letter if another party is funding the journey.

Earlier this year, a British gentleman was detained in Thailand following a visa overstay of more than 25 years beyond his initial 30-day permit.

The individual, now aged 60, entered Thailand on a brief tourist visa on 9 January 2000, subsequently avoiding Thai officials for 25 years. Thai police described it as a "record" visa breach, surpassing the former record held by a Pakistani gentleman who exceeded his visa by 10 years, according to AFP news agency.