A lot of people buy lottery tickets, pinning their hopes on a sequence of numbers. If those numbers match the winning combination, they win. The game is simple, and the outcome is unpredictable, but it fuels human imagination with the tantalizing possibility of a life-altering fortune. It also generates revenue for organizers and provides a form of entertainment for the public. But it’s more than that: the lottery is a social force, bringing people together in a shared dream of sudden wealth.
It’s no secret that the Thai government is a big supporter of the lottery. Every year it gives out millions of baht in prizes to lucky ticket holders. The prize money is divided into several categories. The first is for matching all six digits in the correct order. The second is for matching five of the numbers and the final two digits. The third is for matching three of the numbers and the fourth is for matching just one number.
While winning the lottery is a huge deal for most, some Thais go to extreme lengths to get that lucky number. Creepy dreams and nightmares are considered omens of the number that will win the jackpot. The drippings of candle wax are another way that Thais try to predict the winning numbers.
Those who want to take their lottery game to the next level can head to Sawang Arom Temple, where a basin is believed to contain holy water that can help predict the winning numbers. Another popular option is esiimsi, or “siam si,” which involves shaking a cup of sticks marked with numbers until one falls out and reveals the winning number. The locals swear by this method, and Sawang Arom is a popular place for people to head when buying their lotto tickets.
There are currently only two types of lottery in Thailand: the Government Lottery (TGL) and the Thai Charity Lottery (TCL). Both are run by GLO, and tickets can be purchased at any participating shop or provincial CGD office. The main difference between the two is the amount of the jackpot and the level of taxation.
It’s important to note that the TGL and TCL tickets are only available within Thailand. While tourists have been known to purchase the lottery while visiting, it’s not officially legal for them to do so. However, there are unofficial agencies that sell lottery tickets to foreigners. These companies offer a variety of benefits, including better odds and credit-card purchases.
