Thai Poker Sports Association Advisor & Rising Star at the Poker Table — Co-Writing a New Chapter for Thai Poker
GENTING HIGHLANDS, Malaysia — While the Asian poker circuit boasts many prestigious stops, few can rival the ethereal atmosphere of Genting Highlands. For the 20th edition of Poker Dream, the mist-shrouded peaks of Malaysia served as the battleground for a determined Thai delegation. Leading the charge were two figures representing the dual heart of the game: Yoskai “Benz” Patcharapon, a rising talent chasing glory on the felt, and Naphat “Dew” Liamsanguan, an Advisory Board Member of the Thai Poker Sports Association (TPSA), working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Together, they embody the resilience of a community standing at a crossroads: the raw passion of the competitor and the strategic vision of those fighting to legitimize the sport in the Land of Smiles.
The Shadow of WPT Bangkok: A Dream Deferred
To understand the weight of this trip, one must rewind to August 2025. For one historic week, Bangkok became the center of the poker universe, hosting the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition. It was the first—and to date, the only—official poker festival ever sanctioned on Thai soil. With exactly 2,337 entries in the Main Event, the festival was an undeniable success, signaling to the world that Thailand was ready to become a global poker hub.
“WPT Thailand was one of the most important milestones for us,” Dew explains. “It was the proof of concept, the result of our hard work and passion.”
However, the regulatory landscape has evolved since that historic week. Following changes in the administration, ongoing deliberations regarding the broader framework for gaming and integrated resorts have naturally adjusted the pace of development. Yet, this interim period has not dampened the spirit of the organizers. Dew remains optimistic and constructive, emphasizing that the Association is actively working within the current guidelines to bring at least one major poker series back to Thailand in 2026.
Poker Dream: A Benchmark for the Future
It is with this future goal in mind that Dew traveled to Malaysia. His presence at Poker Dream is not just a visit; it is a statement of intent and a benchmarking mission.
Dew views the professionalism of the Poker Dream series as a model to emulate. “My experience was truly beyond my expectations,” he notes. “From the moment I arrived, I was impressed. The decorations and trophy display were beautifully designed… they told the story of Poker Dream visually, without the need for words.”
He highlights that the brand has mastered the art of catering to Asian and International players, balancing serious competition with a friendly atmosphere. Crucially, Dew emphasizes the importance of building sustainable partnerships with established operators to ensure a stable market.
“We believe in growing together in the same direction, creating a healthy ecosystem without unnecessary competition that could harm long-term development,” Dew asserts. This collaboration aligns with one of the TPSA’s core objectives: “to connect poker sports with tourism and career development opportunities.”
The Main Event: A Three-Day Odyssey
While Dew analyzed the infrastructure, Yoskai “Benz” Patcharapon focused on the cards. The 26-year-old player based in Bangkok, accompanied by his girlfriend and a bunch of five friends, found the Genting environment conducive to his game.
“We chose to come to Genting because it is a perfect place to play poker, and it really feels like a vacation,” Benz says.
After a deep run in the Mystery Bounty (reaching Day 2), Benz turned his attention to the Main Event, embarking on a grueling three-day marathon.
Day 1 (Flight 1D): The Launchpad
Benz hit the ground running. In a flight of 60 entries where only 6 players would advance to the money, he navigated the field successfully to bag the second-largest stack of the flight, securing a prime position for the next stage.
Day 2: Navigating the Field
As the fields merged, the competition stiffened. Day 2 was a test of patience and stack management against seasoned pros. Benz maintained a Zen-like composure throughout the session. “I felt very calm,” he recalls. “I didn’t throw my stack away. Even when facing bad beats, I stuck to my strategy and managed my chips to survive the day.”
The Final Day: Heartbreak and Resilience
The tournament reached its climax on the third day, with only 16 players remaining. It was here, on the cusp of the Final Table, that the variance of tournament poker struck hardest.
During the critical playdown approaching the final 9, the action began with a player under the gun moving all-in for ~1,200,000 chips holding ace-jack. Sitting in the cutoff with a pair of kings, Benz made the easy call. However, despite being ahead pre-flop, his hopes vanished when the board delivered an ace, granting his opponent a crucial double-up.
“That hand was the turning point,” Benz reflects. “It dropped my stack from nearly 2 million down to 800,000. If my kings had held, I would have entered the Final Table sitting 3rd or 4th in chips.”
The Final Table: The Last Stand
Despite the blow, Benz fought his way to the Final Table. With blinds escalating, he found himself in the “red zone” with exactly 7 Big Blinds.
In a classic “Push or Fold” scenario, Benz looked down at king-ten in the cutoff and moved all-in. The move was standard, but the timing was unfortunate. India’s Ritesh Khatwani woke up with pocket aces on the button and made the snap call.
A king on the flop offered Benz a glimmer of hope, sweating the Indian player, but Khatwani’s “rockets” held firm through the turn and river. Yoskai “Benz” Patcharapon was eliminated in 8th place, cashing for MYR 55,400 (~USD 13,850).
Thanks to this result, Yoskai Patcharapon takes the lead in the Thailand Regional Player of the Year 2026 race with 453.32 points, narrowly edging out Sutthissuwan Areerat (453.08 points) and Poopadsri Panitan (405.14 points).
A New Career High
While the trophy remained out of reach, the result marks a pivotal moment in Benz’s career. This score represents his single largest live cash, eclipsing his previous best of ~USD 5,502 recorded during the Zodiac Series Main Event in Taipei in March 2025.
With this performance, Benz has more than tripled his total live earnings, which now stand at ~USD 20,743.
For Dew, results like this validate the TPSA’s mission. “Exposure to international competition raises the overall skill level, professionalism, and mindset of our players,” he observes. “Over time, this creates clearer career pathways and strengthens the entire domestic poker ecosystem.”
The Road to 2026: Building a Human Infrastructure
As the Thai delegation departs the highlands, the mood is one of determination rather than defeat. Benz plans to reinvest his winnings into his bankroll, eyeing his first major trophy in the coming year.
“I want to keep learning and developing,” Benz says. “I want to claim that first trophy and eventually land a ‘big win’. The message to my fellow Thai players is simple: Keep fighting. We can fall, but we will never give up.”
For Dew and the TPSA, the work continues far beyond the felt. Laying the groundwork for major festivals isn’t just about regulations; it is about building a human infrastructure. “The key next steps include working with the new government, and developing qualified personnel such as dealers and tournament staff,” Dew explains.
He insists that this focus on quality is crucial for the country’s future success: “Our goal is to ensure that when Thailand hosts poker festivals, they meet international standards in professionalism, fairness, and overall player experience.”
The vision is clear: to establish Thailand as a “natural central hub for Asian poker events”. Dew believes the country holds a winning hand that no other destination can match.
“We can offer players not only a poker tournament experience, but also beautiful beaches, vibrant city life, rich cultural heritage, world-famous cuisine, and warm hospitality,” he concludes.
By combining this unique appeal with strategic partnerships and professional growth, the TPSA hopes that soon, the “Thai Dream” will finally be played out on home soil.
A Historic Celebration: The “World’s No.1” Returns Home
As if to confirm that the “Thai Dream” is already in motion, a historic celebration, the “World’s No.1 Trophy Ceremony”, took place at the Grand Centre Point Lumpini in Bangkok on February 15, 2026.
The Thai Poker Sports Association (TPSA), led by President Thana Chunpunasak, partnered with the Taenaatak poker community to host this prestigious event. Dew describes it as “another special milestone” for the industry.
The evening honored Punnat Punsri, who made history as the first Thai and Asian player to sweep all four major Global Poker Index (GPI) categories for the 2025 season: GPI Player of the Year, GPI Ranking Awards, GPI Asia Player of the Year, and GPI Asia Ranking Awards.
Having overtaken American Jesse Lonis in the final stretch, Punsri amassed approximately USD 10.9 million in 2025, claiming 7 titles and 61 cashes across 14 countries. Addressing the crowd, Punsri, who has earned nearly USD 32 million throughout his entire live career, echoed the very sentiments expressed by Dew: urging for poker to be recognized as a sustainable professional career and highlighting the necessity of government support to properly structure the sport.
“During the event, we showcased some of his most proud, favorite, and memorable trophies, allowing fans and guests to see up close the journey behind his success. But it was not only a celebration of one champion, it was also a reflection of how far Thai poker has progressed on the international stage,” Dew added.
With Punnat Punsri at the summit of the world rankings and emerging stars like Yoskai “Benz” Patcharapon rising through the ranks, the “Thai Dream” has never been closer to reality.
Text and interviews by Dimitri Vernier
GENTING HIGHLANDS, Malaysia — While the Asian poker circuit boasts many prestigious stops, few can rival the ethereal atmosphere of Genting Highlands. For the 20th edition of Poker Dream, the mist-shrouded peaks of Malaysia served as the battleground for a determined Thai delegation. Leading the charge were two figures representing the dual heart of the game: Yoskai “Benz” Patcharapon, a rising talent chasing glory on the felt, and Naphat “Dew” Liamsanguan, an Advisory Board Member of the Thai Poker Sports Association (TPSA), working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Together, they embody the resilience of a community standing at a crossroads: the raw passion of the competitor and the strategic vision of those fighting to legitimize the sport in the Land of Smiles.
The Shadow of WPT Bangkok: A Dream Deferred
To understand the weight of this trip, one must rewind to August 2025. For one historic week, Bangkok became the center of the poker universe, hosting the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition. It was the first—and to date, the only—official poker festival ever sanctioned on Thai soil. With exactly 2,337 entries in the Main Event, the festival was an undeniable success, signaling to the world that Thailand was ready to become a global poker hub.
“WPT Thailand was one of the most important milestones for us,” Dew explains. “It was the proof of concept, the result of our hard work and passion.”
However, the regulatory landscape has evolved since that historic week. Following changes in the administration, ongoing deliberations regarding the broader framework for gaming and integrated resorts have naturally adjusted the pace of development. Yet, this interim period has not dampened the spirit of the organizers. Dew remains optimistic and constructive, emphasizing that the Association is actively working within the current guidelines to bring at least one major poker series back to Thailand in 2026.
Poker Dream: A Benchmark for the Future
It is with this future goal in mind that Dew traveled to Malaysia. His presence at Poker Dream is not just a visit; it is a statement of intent and a benchmarking mission.
Dew views the professionalism of the Poker Dream series as a model to emulate. “My experience was truly beyond my expectations,” he notes. “From the moment I arrived, I was impressed. The decorations and trophy display were beautifully designed… they told the story of Poker Dream visually, without the need for words.”
He highlights that the brand has mastered the art of catering to Asian and International players, balancing serious competition with a friendly atmosphere. Crucially, Dew emphasizes the importance of building sustainable partnerships with established operators to ensure a stable market.
“We believe in growing together in the same direction, creating a healthy ecosystem without unnecessary competition that could harm long-term development,” Dew asserts. This collaboration aligns with one of the TPSA’s core objectives: “to connect poker sports with tourism and career development opportunities.”
The Main Event: A Three-Day Odyssey
While Dew analyzed the infrastructure, Yoskai “Benz” Patcharapon focused on the cards. The 26-year-old player based in Bangkok, accompanied by his girlfriend and a bunch of five friends, found the Genting environment conducive to his game.
“We chose to come to Genting because it is a perfect place to play poker, and it really feels like a vacation,” Benz says.
After a deep run in the Mystery Bounty (reaching Day 2), Benz turned his attention to the Main Event, embarking on a grueling three-day marathon.
Day 1 (Flight 1D): The Launchpad
Benz hit the ground running. In a flight of 60 entries where only 6 players would advance to the money, he navigated the field successfully to bag the second-largest stack of the flight, securing a prime position for the next stage.
Day 2: Navigating the Field
As the fields merged, the competition stiffened. Day 2 was a test of patience and stack management against seasoned pros. Benz maintained a Zen-like composure throughout the session. “I felt very calm,” he recalls. “I didn’t throw my stack away. Even when facing bad beats, I stuck to my strategy and managed my chips to survive the day.”
The Final Day: Heartbreak and Resilience
The tournament reached its climax on the third day, with only 16 players remaining. It was here, on the cusp of the Final Table, that the variance of tournament poker struck hardest.
During the critical playdown approaching the final 9, the action began with a player under the gun moving all-in for ~1,200,000 chips holding ace-jack. Sitting in the cutoff with a pair of kings, Benz made the easy call. However, despite being ahead pre-flop, his hopes vanished when the board delivered an ace, granting his opponent a crucial double-up.
“That hand was the turning point,” Benz reflects. “It dropped my stack from nearly 2 million down to 800,000. If my kings had held, I would have entered the Final Table sitting 3rd or 4th in chips.”
The Final Table: The Last Stand
Despite the blow, Benz fought his way to the Final Table. With blinds escalating, he found himself in the “red zone” with exactly 7 Big Blinds.
In a classic “Push or Fold” scenario, Benz looked down at king-ten in the cutoff and moved all-in. The move was standard, but the timing was unfortunate. India’s Ritesh Khatwani woke up with pocket aces on the button and made the snap call.
A king on the flop offered Benz a glimmer of hope, sweating the Indian player, but Khatwani’s “rockets” held firm through the turn and river. Yoskai “Benz” Patcharapon was eliminated in 8th place, cashing for MYR 55,400 (~USD 13,850).
Thanks to this result, Yoskai Patcharapon takes the lead in the Thailand Regional Player of the Year 2026 race with 453.32 points, narrowly edging out Sutthissuwan Areerat (453.08 points) and Poopadsri Panitan (405.14 points).
A New Career High
While the trophy remained out of reach, the result marks a pivotal moment in Benz’s career. This score represents his single largest live cash, eclipsing his previous best of ~USD 5,502 recorded during the Zodiac Series Main Event in Taipei in March 2025.
With this performance, Benz has more than tripled his total live earnings, which now stand at ~USD 20,743.
For Dew, results like this validate the TPSA’s mission. “Exposure to international competition raises the overall skill level, professionalism, and mindset of our players,” he observes. “Over time, this creates clearer career pathways and strengthens the entire domestic poker ecosystem.”
The Road to 2026: Building a Human Infrastructure
As the Thai delegation departs the highlands, the mood is one of determination rather than defeat. Benz plans to reinvest his winnings into his bankroll, eyeing his first major trophy in the coming year.
“I want to keep learning and developing,” Benz says. “I want to claim that first trophy and eventually land a ‘big win’. The message to my fellow Thai players is simple: Keep fighting. We can fall, but we will never give up.”
For Dew and the TPSA, the work continues far beyond the felt. Laying the groundwork for major festivals isn’t just about regulations; it is about building a human infrastructure. “The key next steps include working with the new government, and developing qualified personnel such as dealers and tournament staff,” Dew explains.
He insists that this focus on quality is crucial for the country’s future success: “Our goal is to ensure that when Thailand hosts poker festivals, they meet international standards in professionalism, fairness, and overall player experience.”
The vision is clear: to establish Thailand as a “natural central hub for Asian poker events”. Dew believes the country holds a winning hand that no other destination can match.
“We can offer players not only a poker tournament experience, but also beautiful beaches, vibrant city life, rich cultural heritage, world-famous cuisine, and warm hospitality,” he concludes.
By combining this unique appeal with strategic partnerships and professional growth, the TPSA hopes that soon, the “Thai Dream” will finally be played out on home soil.
A Historic Celebration: The “World’s No.1” Returns Home
As if to confirm that the “Thai Dream” is already in motion, a historic celebration, the “World’s No.1 Trophy Ceremony”, took place at the Grand Centre Point Lumpini in Bangkok on February 15, 2026.
The Thai Poker Sports Association (TPSA), led by President Thana Chunpunasak, partnered with the Taenaatak poker community to host this prestigious event. Dew describes it as “another special milestone” for the industry.
The evening honored Punnat Punsri, who made history as the first Thai and Asian player to sweep all four major Global Poker Index (GPI) categories for the 2025 season: GPI Player of the Year, GPI Ranking Awards, GPI Asia Player of the Year, and GPI Asia Ranking Awards.
Having overtaken American Jesse Lonis in the final stretch, Punsri amassed approximately USD 10.9 million in 2025, claiming 7 titles and 61 cashes across 14 countries. Addressing the crowd, Punsri, who has earned nearly USD 32 million throughout his entire live career, echoed the very sentiments expressed by Dew: urging for poker to be recognized as a sustainable professional career and highlighting the necessity of government support to properly structure the sport.
“During the event, we showcased some of his most proud, favorite, and memorable trophies, allowing fans and guests to see up close the journey behind his success. But it was not only a celebration of one champion, it was also a reflection of how far Thai poker has progressed on the international stage,” Dew added.
With Punnat Punsri at the summit of the world rankings and emerging stars like Yoskai “Benz” Patcharapon rising through the ranks, the “Thai Dream” has never been closer to reality.
Text and interviews by Dimitri Vernier
Yoskai “Benz” Patcharapon – Poker Dream 20 Main Event, February 2026
Naphat “Dew” Liamsanguan – Poker Dream 20, February 2026
Punnat Punsri (left) and Naphat “Dew” Liamsanguan
In January 2026, Naphat “Dew” Liamsanguan, Advisor to the Thai Poker Sports Association, welcomed World No. 1 Punnat Punsri back to Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, following his third-place finish in the $25,400 High Roller at the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas for $277,125. That result pushed him to World No. 1 on the Global Poker Index (GPI) and earned him the GPI Player of the Year title.