In thailand, lottery is more than just a game of chance. It is a way of life. Thais are passionate about gambling and spend more on lotto than they do on religion. Gambling is illegal in Thailand and frowned upon by Buddhism, but still the country is full of casinos and lotteries. Even bus tickets have a lucky number and military service is decided by a draw of numbers.
The official thai lotto is run by the GLO (Government Lottery Office). It is one of two forms of legalized gambling allowed in the country. In addition to lottery, horse racing is also permitted. From the government printing press to the ticket consumer, there are several layers of a complex distribution network.
Tickets are printed on yellow, thin paper that features a two-tone watermark of a mythical bird called a “Wayupak”. The paper is also coated with chemicals that make it difficult to reproduce counterfeit tickets. Ticket holders can test the authenticity of their ticket by dropping a drop of bleach on it. The paper will not show stains.
Those who are lucky enough to win can claim their prize money within two years of the drawing date. Small prizes can be cashed in any licensed lottery retail venue. Larger amounts must be claimed at the head GLO office in Nonthaburi. Winners must present their winning ticket, a valid ID document, and bank account details to claim their prize. If they cannot do this, they will receive a cheque.
The GLO distributes the total amount of money to the different sectors involved in the lottery: The prize fund accounts for 60%, while the rest is divided between street vendors, ticket wholesalers, social activities, and foundation, association, or organization discounts. In total, 28% of lottery revenues are funneled back to the government for state affairs and uses.
Although a number of Thais are now playing thai lotto online, most prefer to buy their tickets in person. They will often visit temples or shrines to pray for the right numbers and seek cosmic guidance. In fact, many believe that a visit to the shrine of Mae Nak, a famous ghost, can provide a boost of fortune. The shrine is located on Sukhumvit Soi 77 and houses a small clay jar of numbered ping pong balls.
It is also believed that tragedy precedes good fortune, which explains why so many people scan the license plate numbers of recently crashed cars or highway numbers where accidents have occurred for their lucky numbers. Some will even consult a fortune teller or visit a monk for some divine guidance. Whether or not these rituals help, they are fun to do and can result in some interesting conversations! But be careful with your tips, as a well-researched number can make you a billionaire while an estimate will cost you your money. Nevertheless, if you are persistent and determined to win, you will be successful eventually. The key is to keep your eyes open for all the different possibilities and try not to get discouraged.
