Lottery in Thailand is not as common as it is in the West, but it’s still a popular pastime. Many people visit temples and shrines to pray for the right numbers, while others will consult fortune tellers in hopes of receiving omens or hints as to which numbers are most likely to win. For example, the number of spots on a snake’s fur or the type of cat someone owns are often viewed as lottery omens. Similarly, a person’s date of birth, the color of his or her eye (yellow is lucky, blue is unlucky) and other personal details can also be used to predict winning numbers.
The Government Lottery Office is a state-run entity that oversees all aspects of the lottery, including how prizes are distributed and the percentage of ticket sales that goes to supporting national causes. The organization is governed by the Govt Lottery Office Act B.E 2517 and has strict legal frameworks to prevent fraudulent activity.
Tickets can be purchased from authorised dealers and street vendors and are printed on yellow, thin paper with a watermark of Wayupak, a mythical bird of Thailand. They’re also coated in chemicals that make them sensitive to bleach and ultraviolet light. The odds of winning a prize are one in a million, but the exact odds vary from draw to draw, as they depend on the number of tickets printed and sold.
A draw is held every 1st and 16th day of the month to determine the winners. The drawing is broadcast live from 3:00 PM and is televised on several channels throughout the country. Usually, the winner is announced about 15 minutes before the end of the draw. People will check their tickets against the official result, and if their numbers match, they’ll receive their prize.
People who wish to play the lottery can buy tickets at any of these outlets, but they must bring their valid identification and bank account details to claim their prize. Winners are also required to pay a 0.5% tax on their winnings. If they’re not Thai citizens, they must bring a passport and proof of residence to collect their prize.
Most lottery sellers in Thailand are poor, deaf or blind and sell their tickets by sitting on the streets and around shopping centers. For them, selling lottery tickets is an excellent career option that doesn’t require much skill and makes it possible for them to survive. In addition to a small commission, they’ll earn a good salary for their efforts. However, not everyone is a successful lottery seller; only those who know how to sell their tickets quickly can make a living out of it. For the rest, it’s a hard job.
