The lottery is one of the only two forms of legal gambling in Thailand, and every 1st and 16th of the month, hordes of people tune in to watch winning numbers be drawn on national television. The prize money may seem relatively modest, but the grand aspirations attached to the lottery are what draw people in – a hope for an improbable windfall that could change their lives.
During the draw, a panel of three judges watches over the live broadcast. They’re responsible for ensuring the legitimacy of each winning ticket, which is sold in pairs only. Tickets must contain at least one 2-digit number and two 3-digit numbers. They also must include at least two special prizes, and the winner must have purchased the ticket in the correct order of the draw. The judges then verify the number by checking it against a database of past winners and the official results.
After verifying a winner’s ticket, the judge signs it and gives the prize money to an official representative who then hands it to the runner up. The judge must also certify that all prizes were awarded and that the winning ticket was purchased in accordance with the rules. The judges may also award a second prize to the same person, or to no winner at all.
As the winners are announced, the audience applauds. Afterward, the audience is given the opportunity to purchase tickets for the next drawing. Each ticket is pre-printed and includes a variety of anti-counterfeiting features. It also contains a number of supplementary information and conditions, including the schedule of prizes and ancillary details. A random guest, known as the “Draw Chairman”, then randomly selects a colored ball to determine the order of lesser prizes.
The operation of the lottery is complex, and the underlying motivations are difficult to uncover. A study published in 2006 found that more than half of all lottery players are poor or lower middle class, and that over two-thirds of those who play regularly make less than the national minimum wage. But for Bom, whose elaborate number selection strategy is a first glimpse into the mystique of lottery culture in Thailand, it’s less about pinning hopes of wealth on a chance of winning and more about enjoying the fun of choosing numbers with his friends. He and his group even have a Line group chat where they discuss their lottery tactics.
Lottery online is a popular way for Thais to play the game from anywhere in the world, though it’s important to note that only those who are legally allowed to do so can actually win prizes. Though some have won in the past, it’s not a common occurrence. Those who are caught playing the lottery illegally can face imprisonment or fines, depending on the severity of their offense. In some cases, this can extend to up to ten years.
