Buying lottery tickets is a big business in Thailand. It’s one of the country’s only two legal forms of gambling and draws take place twice a month, on the first and 16th. Despite its popularity, however, many traders struggle to make ends meet. Street vendors are often seen carrying brown wooden boxes of lotto tickets strapped to their bicycles. The government is now trying to reform the system to ensure that the tickets are easier to organize and more accessible for everyone.
The lottery is a massive deal in Thailand, and local news sources are constantly sharing tips on how to win the next draw. While most Thais understand that it’s just a game, there are still some superstitious individuals who believe that certain digits can bring them good fortune. The following are a few of the more out-there ways that Thais try to find their lucky numbers:
Creepy Dreams & Nightmares
A common trick in Thailand is to look at the number combinations in your dreams or nightmares and choose those as your lottery numbers. The belief is that if the number appears in a dream or nightmare, it’s an omen that you will be rich.
Another way to pick your lottery numbers is to listen to the radio and listen to what other people are saying. If a lot of people are saying the same thing, that number is believed to be lucky. Another popular method is to buy caged birds and set them free. Each bird you release is said to bring you luck.
Other methods include visiting a shrine or temple and asking the gods for help in choosing your numbers. Many Thais visit the Sawang Arom Temple, which is said to have a holy water basin that can reveal your numbers. The temple is so popular, though, that the lines are always long and it’s difficult to get a chance to use the basin.
The Thai lottery is only officially available for purchase within the country, and while some tourists have been known to win prizes, they must be in the country at the time of the drawing. This is in part because the prizes aren’t as large as they’d be if it were open to foreigners. However, there are some unofficial lottery agencies that offer tickets to those who can’t get enough of the bi-monthly draws. Typically, these websites offer better odds and credit purchases, but beware that some may not have your best interests in mind. Be sure to check the terms and conditions before making a purchase. In addition, if you’re buying from an overseas seller, be sure to read the reviews before purchasing. They will give you a sense of whether or not the company is legitimate. This can help you avoid being scammed by an unscrupulous operator. The reputable companies will be happy to provide you with a customer service representative that can answer your questions.
