The lottery, a form of gambling in which participants pin their hopes on a series of numbers, is one of the only legal forms of gambling permitted in Thailand. Every month, on the first and 16th of each month, hordes of hopefuls tune into the government-sponsored lottery drawing on live television with tickets clutched in their hands. While the operation of the lottery can be convoluted, examining the way in which Thai people choose their lottery numbers offers a glimpse into the religious, economic and social connections that underpin lottery culture.
Choosing lottery numbers is a highly ritualized process that requires a complex system of beliefs and superstitions. For Bom, a 27-year-old taxi driver from the city of Chiang Mai, he consults a special chart that contains a wheel and a set of digits. He begins by scribbling down a list of integers derived from the chart, then crosses out numbers in a certain pattern until he’s left with two digits. He then checks his numbers against the list of winning numbers to make sure that his strategy is accurate.
While he’s not sure that his strategy will work, he feels that it is the best way to increase his odds of winning the grand prize. His strategy is not unlike that of many other Thai people, who use a variety of tricks and tips to boost their chances of success. Some people even visit temples to “make merit” and ask monks for advice on their lucky numbers. This practice aligns with Buddhist belief systems in which good deeds are rewarded.
Other players take a more pragmatic approach to lottery number selection, consulting online gurus like Lottery King or My4Website whose web pages are dedicated to cryptic lottery formulas that promise guaranteed results. In addition, some people find luck through seemingly random events like car accidents or celebrity deaths. The lottery’s allure of instant wealth also fuels a sense of hope and optimism among Thailand’s poorest citizens.
Lottery is a culturally unifying experience in which participants join together in a collective dream of sudden riches. This dream, however, can have devastating consequences if it doesn’t pan out. The case of a young man who committed suicide after selling his motorcycle to purchase lottery tickets illustrates this tragic reality.
While the lottery may seem like a doomed investment, for the millions of Thais who play it, it is a symbol of social inclusion and a vehicle for personal advancement. Its significance is deeper than a few million dollars in prize money; it’s about creating a community of common dreams, and fostering the hope that a better future is possible.
