The lottery is an important part of Thai culture and has a deep and ingrained presence in the country’s religious, political and economic history. Fate, faith, imagination and superstition all converge around the lottery and its bi-monthly drawing. The coveted prize money draws millions of people to play each month, creating a network of patrons and spirits that can evoke instant wealth and a sense of social belonging.
Lottery games in Thailand aren’t just a way to make money, they also provide an opportunity to make merit and connect with Buddha and the spirit world. In fact, Buddhism and lottery culture have an entwined history, with monks offering lottery consultations as early as 1900. While this practice may seem irrational to Western eyes, it is more than just a game; it is a manifestation of the belief systems that underlie the Thai cultural identity.
The actual operation of the lottery is relatively straightforward, although some elements are more complex than others. Lottery tickets are pre-printed and include anti-counterfeiting features. They are sold in ticket pairs, and single tickets are not available. The minimum purchase is 80 baht per pair. Tickets are purchased from vendors registered with the government lottery office (GLO). The GLO is a powerful bureaucracy that has historically been used for political purposes, with military dictators taking control of the lottery in order to enrich themselves.
For Bom, a disabled person, the lottery isn’t just about choosing lucky numbers; it’s a social experience that unites him with his friends. He follows a carefully-honed method to choose his numbers and uses a Line group message to share different lottery tactics with his buddies. He admits that he doesn’t believe in the actual luck of his chosen numbers, but rather that they are a manifestation of a deeper spirituality.
Another popular strategy is to consult lottery gurus online, who claim to have discovered secret formulas that will increase chances of winning. Several websites are devoted to this topic, and users flock to them for tips and predictions. Some even use astrological signs to help them decide their lottery numbers. Other players rely on negative events to determine their fate, such as car accidents and celebrity deaths.
Despite the popularity of the lottery, not everyone can afford to play it. Many street vendors sell lottery tickets to make ends meet, and the image of a disabled person carting a box full of lottery tickets strapped to their bicycle is a familiar sight in Thailand. Often, the vendors cannot find other jobs because employers are reluctant to make adjustments, such as widening doors or installing ramps for people with disabilities. Some also face financial hardship, with one study indicating that two-thirds of lottery players come from the lower middle class or below. As a result, the lottery has been criticized as being a drain on the poor.
