In Thailand, the lottery is popular. Almost everybody buys tickets at least once in their life. Some people even play daily. Many Thais believe that the numbers they pick will bring them luck, wealth and happiness. They even visit temples and shrines to pray for good numbers. Others consult fortune tellers to find out their lucky numbers. Many Thais also seek hints from nature and their surroundings. They look for figures in three barks, snakes (a giant snake represents the number five, while a small one represents the number six), rats and other animals that are believed to be lucky.
The official Thai lottery is run by the Government Lottery Office. Its prizes are awarded to winners who match a six-digit number. The winning numbers are drawn on a special yellow paper that is thin, smooth and features a watermark of a mythical bird called a Wayupak. The paper is also coated with chemicals that prevent it from showing stains when dropped on it with a drop of bleach. This helps prevent counterfeiting.
To ensure that the numbers are genuine, lottery officials also use a special machine that checks for all six digits of the winning numbers. The machine also scans the ticket for any scratches or blemishes. It also tests the paper for chemicals and a special type of silk thread that can only be seen with ultraviolet light. If any of these are detected, the winning ticket will be withdrawn.
Winning the lottery in Thailand is not a simple matter. First, you have to know how to buy the tickets. They are sold at the post offices, but you can also purchase them at many other places in town. You can also get them online if you have internet access. However, you should remember that online purchases are not always secure.
If you want to buy a ticket, make sure that the seller is a licensed lottery agent. There are many scammers out there who can take advantage of uninformed players. Beware of them and always check the seller’s identity card before buying a ticket. You should also read the instructions on the ticket carefully before purchasing it.
There are two types of lottery in Thailand: the state lottery and the charitable lottery. Both offer a wide variety of prizes, including cash and household items. If you win the state lottery, you should present your ticket together with a Thai ID or passport (for foreigners). You have two years to claim your prize. If you win a prize of less than 20,000 baht, the vendor will collect 0.5% stamp duty on your behalf.
You can also buy thai lottery tickets from street vendors. This is common in Asia and it offers convenience, especially if you’re on the go. However, you should be aware that the sellers increase the price by adding a little extra to it. It’s not a huge amount, but it adds up quickly. Besides, the sellers can keep the difference.
