Thailand Siamese Gambling Token 1990 - 2005 (ND) Modern Replica. Porcelain 3.79 g.; Obv: Crab inside the blue circle; Rev: Chinese character in the ornate circle; Porcelain gaming tokens (also known as "Pee" tokens) were first used in Siam as counters for a game called Fantan in Chinese-run gambling houses known collectively as Hong. Over time they came to be used as a substitute currency within the hong owners' districts and were known as pees. The pees were easier to use than the silver bars that served as legal tender in Siam at the time. It is believed that thousands of designs were created, in many various shapes and sizes. After some time the issuing Hong would recall the tokens and they would be declared valueless, resulting in a substantial profit to the issuer. There was often a shortage of small change in Siam. Porcelain gaming tokens, issued by Chinese-owned gambling houses were widely used as money in Siam during the 18th and 19th centuries