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Bom, a Thai man in his mid-thirties, has spent the past several hours poring over lottery results and purchasing lottery tickets. He’s a member of a Line group with a handful of other people who regularly discuss different tactics for picking the winning numbers. He’s not an expert, but he takes his lottery-playing very seriously.
The lottery’s importance in Thailand is rooted in religious, economic and social connections. About a third of the country’s population regularly plays it, and it isn’t unusual to find entire families who have purchased a single ticket. For many, a small win is the key to climbing out of poverty, and for others, it’s an opportunity to play a game that’s considered a harmless form of entertainment.
Lottery prizes range from first-prize payouts of six million baht to consolation prizes of 2,000 baht. In order to participate in the lottery, one must register at the government’s GLO office and pay a tax of 0.5% on winnings. The GLO also provides an online lottery platform where players can purchase tickets. This is an alternative to purchasing tickets from street vendors, who charge more than the official 80 baht price.
While the government’s online lottery service is legitimate, it’s a bit difficult to trust, particularly when some vendors sell tickets for over 100 baht. The online platform tries to keep prices low by allowing buyers and sellers to settle ticket prices among themselves. However, this method is flawed and can lead to inflated prices.
Some of these inflated ticket prices are due to a belief that certain numbers have greater luck than others. For example, the number 9 is thought to bring good fortune. In addition, some people will consult online gurus who have cryptic formulas and tips that they claim will improve their chances of winning the grand prize. Other common practices include visiting temples to make merit and glean lucky numbers from monks. These beliefs are not only untrue but potentially dangerous, as they may impede on the mental health of people who struggle with mental illness or addiction.
The popularity of the lottery is not without its drawbacks, and some players have suffered serious consequences. For example, in March 2015, a Thai man committed suicide after selling his motorcycle to buy tickets that did not win the jackpot. The man was reportedly suffering from depression and was hoping that the lottery would give him a new life. This example illustrates the risks of pinning dreams of better prospects on a lottery that is nearly impossible to win. Other gamblers have also been hurt by the loss of their money and property. Despite the risks, the lottery remains popular in Thailand. In fact, the underground lottery system is four to five times larger than the official government lottery.