In Thailand, the lottery is the most common form of gambling, with more than a third of the population playing it regularly. While it is not legal to play other forms of gambling in the country, the lottery is permitted because of its revenue generation potential for the government. In addition, it has been embraced by the country’s religious communities and provides a source of hope for poor people.
Whether played for money or for prestige, the lottery has become an integral part of the culture in Thailand. It is an activity that fosters a sense of community, with people supporting each other’s dreams. Although the chance of winning a grand prize is slim, it is enough to inspire hope and optimism in those who have few other sources of wealth or stability. Unfortunately, these hopes are often dashed when a lottery ticket fails to yield a life-changing fortune.
One of the most popular ways to pick lottery numbers in Thailand is to visit temples and glean advice from monks. This practice aligns with Buddhist belief systems, which hold that good deeds are rewarded with good luck. Although the lottery may appear to contradict Buddhism, it actually enhances and extends the religion, creating a new network of patrons and spirits.
Another way to pick your lottery numbers is to consult a “bom” or “tham yen”. This is a person who practices the art of fortune telling and can read omens from natural and unnatural events. Boms are renowned for their ability to tell when a person will win the lottery and can even predict the exact number that will be drawn. They are highly sought after by locals and tourists alike.
In addition to the Thai government lotteries, there are also illegal underground lottery operations in the country. These operations utilize the same tickets as the official lotteries, but sell them in pairs for 80 baht per pair. They are pre-printed with a six-digit number and include several anti-counterfeiting features. During the drawing, the Draw Chairman randomly selects a colored ball to determine the order of the lesser prizes: yellow for 2nd prize, pink for 3rd prize, green for 4th prize, and blue for 5th prize. The winner must match all six digits to claim the top prize. Despite their illegitimacy, the underground lottery is still four to five times larger than the official government lottery.
