The lottery is a huge deal in Thailand, and local news sources are always reporting on the most wacky ways that Thais are trying to find the winning numbers. It isn’t surprising, as superstitious folk, that the Land of Smiles would have a wide variety of tricks up its sleeve.
Among the most recognizable figures in Thailand are the street vendors, carrying a brown wooden box full of lottery tickets strapped to their bicycles. These folks are often disabled, and selling lottery tickets provides a source of income for them that is much higher than other forms of street trade. According to one local activist, “Many, many persons with disabilities sell lottery tickets because they cannot be employed in other jobs.” The lottery experience is also a popular way for poor farmers to make money. However, the lottery has been a source of frustration in recent decades, with activists protesting the use of the proceeds for military dictatorships.
Creepy dreams and nightmares are a good indicator of the next lottery number to be drawn. The theory is that if certain sets of numbers are linked to symbols in your dream, you are likely to win the lotto. It’s a bit like a palm reading, but more superstitious.
Animal behaviour is also considered to be an important indicator of lottery results. If you see an animal behaving in a way it normally wouldn’t, then that is a clue to the winning number. This is especially true if the animal has a golden shell or is wearing brightly colored clothes.
Another common method of predicting lottery numbers is to visit temples to seek the help of monks. This is a very old practice, and ties in well with Buddhist beliefs that good deeds are rewarded with good fortune. The fact that so many Thais regularly purchase lottery tickets shows that these beliefs have become woven into the fabric of everyday life.
The lottery isn’t just a game of chance, but a powerful means of uniting people in a shared dream of sudden wealth. In spite of the numerous controversies surrounding it, the lottery continues to be a significant force in Thai culture and society. In a country where economic instability is the norm, the lottery provides an escape from daily hardships and offers hope of a better future. For Bom, and millions of other Thais, the lottery is an integral part of their lives. But, perhaps more importantly, it offers a connection to the spirits and patrons that underlie Thailand’s religion and culture.
