Play lottery online from the comfort of your mobile phone. THAILOTTO is an official lottery app developed by the Government Lottery Office (GLO) for Android and iOS devices. This application gives you the opportunity to join in Thailand’s biggest lottery from your phone anytime you want. You can also check your winnings, and even buy a ticket, with just one click!
The lottery, which carries the grand aspiration of sudden wealth, is more than just a way to pass time for Thai people. It is a talisman of hope and optimism that fosters a sense of community and unites the population around the dream of a lucky turn of fate. But behind the grand aspirations of winning big are complex belief systems that are hidden within the seemingly simple process of buying a ticket.
While most lottery players would agree that the numbers they choose are based on chance, there are some who take a more scientific approach to their number selection. Bom, a 30-something man, is an example of this. He begins by consulting his astrological chart, then he pencils down a set of numbers that correspond with various symbols and their meanings. He crosses them out in a precise pattern until he is left with only two numbers: 0 and 1.
In addition to astrological charts, some people turn to fortune tellers for help in choosing their lottery numbers. A popular method is called esiimsi, or siam si, where a person shakes a cup of bamboo sticks marked with numbers until one falls out, predicting the number that will be their lucky one. Many locals head to temples to try this, with Sawang Arom Temple a common place for people to seek esiimsi luck.
Other people look to animal behaviours for hints of the numbers they will select. For instance, if you see a tortoise walking in the middle of the road in the middle of the day, this is believed to be a sign that a certain number will be rolled in the next lottery draw. Similarly, people will often buy tickets after spotting a bird with a red tail.
Despite the popularity of the lottery, some critics point to its impact on poorer populations. According to a report published in the International Gambling Studies Journal, a majority of lottery players are from poor and lower middle class households. Some argue that the high stakes of the lottery encourage reckless spending and lead to gambling addiction. Nevertheless, others point to the fact that most of the money from lottery proceeds goes towards helping those in need and is an important source of revenue for public services and infrastructure. In spite of these criticisms, the lottery continues to be an integral part of Thai culture and society.
