The Thai lottery is a national pastime that brings together people of all backgrounds and incomes. Despite the fact that it isn’t the most lucrative game in terms of top prizes, the bi-monthly draw has become a ritual and a tradition for many. It’s also one of the only forms of gambling that is legal in Thailand, where other types of betting are banned. As a result, the local populace is always coming up with new ways to find lucky numbers for their tickets.
From interpreting dreams to checking the weather, there are a lot of weird ways that the Thais try to predict their lottery numbers. Some of these methods are a little bit more bizarre than others, but all of them have one thing in common – the belief that there is some sort of magic associated with each number.
One such method involves analyzing the numbers in your car’s license plate. The theory behind this is that your vehicle’s number might be a clue to the winning numbers. It isn’t clear whether this works or not, but it is a popular technique amongst the Thais. Another method is to visit a temple and ask for the koh (spiritual name) of a deceased person. The koh can then be used to pick your lucky numbers. This may sound a bit superstitious, but it’s actually quite practical. A woman from Chiang Mai was able to get her lottery numbers after using this method.
Creepy dreams and nightmares are also believed to be an omen of a lottery win. Some Thais take this a step further and visit a ghostly shrine to seek out the spirit of their deceased loved ones. Others simply use a Ouija board and a pendulum to decide their lucky numbers. Still, there’s no denying that the Thais are an extremely superstitious bunch.
More than just a way to make money, the lottery is also a symbol of hope and optimism in the country. It unites people in a shared dream, and the promise of sudden wealth fosters a sense of community and a belief in destiny. Even when the winnings aren’t as massive as expected, a win is still a life-altering event. For that reason, the lottery is more than just a game of chance; it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to be revered in the country even as other forms of gambling are prohibited.
