POSSESSING MORE THAN 120 CARDS CAN GET YOU DETAINED IN THAILAND

Daily Mail

 

The innocent suitcase item that can get holidaymakers arrested in Thailand

By ERIN DEBORAH WAKS, TRAVEL WRITER

Published: 09:44 EST, 31 December 2025 | Updated: 09:58 EST, 31 December 2025

 

A deck of cards is an easy win when packing for a trip: a harmless way to kill time on a flight without taking up space in your suitcase.

 

But Asia travel experts have warned that in Thailand, the innocent holiday activity can turn into a legal headache - if you have more than 120 cards. 

 

This is a law stemming from strict anti-gambling rules, with penalties including fines and jail time for violators, despite illegal gambling being common.

 

That means tourists who pack multiple decks - or a mix of card-based games - can accidentally go above the limit without any intention to gamble.

 

Thailand's 1943 Playing Cards Act means it's illegal to own more than 120 playing cards without official registration with the Excise Department.

 

TransIndus says the problem is how quickly playing cards add up in a suitcase.

 

Thailand is a hotspot for British nationals finding themselves detained or imprisoned, often after misunderstandings, poor judgement on holiday, or simply not realising how strict certain rules can be.

 

Charities that assist people detained overseas have reported dozens of cases involving Thailand in recent years.

 

The UK also provides consular support to thousands of British nationals detained overseas.

 

High-profile cases regularly make headlines, including British nationals receiving long sentences in Thailand for serious offences.

 

The consequences for Brits getting in trouble in Thailand can be severe, according to travel experts TransIndus.

 

Thailand is not a 'slap on the wrist' destination when laws are broken.

 

So it's worth paying attention to the playing cards rule.

 

You might, for instance, have a deck for the flight, one for the hotel and one for nights out with friends.

 

You may even have a novelty deck, a poker set for a villa night and a travel game that includes extra cards.

 

Suddenly, you're not packing 'a deck of cards' - you're packing several.

 

And if you're travelling with family or friends, people often throw their own decks into the same bag without thinking.

 

TransIndus warns that this is exactly how travellers can end up over the limit, even if they have no intention of gambling.

 

Transindus recommends if you don't need them, don't pack them. If you want cards for your trip, buy them locally once you arrive.

 

Avoid travelling with multiple decks, loose cards, or poker-style sets.

 

And be extra cautious if you're travelling as a group and sharing luggage.