The thai lotto is one of only two forms of legal gambling in Thailand and takes place twice a month on the 1st and 16th. It is played by over 19 million people, or 28.6% of the population of Thailand, and is an integral part of Thai culture. The lottery is overseen by the Government Lottery Office (GLO) and has strict rules in place to protect players.
Players of the thai lotto can buy tickets from any of 14,760 registered retail venues in the country. These locations must be licensed to sell tickets and are monitored closely by GLO. However, there are some unlicensed outlets that are often referred to as ‘street vendors’. These locations are typically operated by poor, deaf or blind individuals who find the work lucrative as it provides them with a steady income. The street vendors’ tickets are typically marked up at least 20% and they often make use of the number superstition that is prevalent in the country to increase their chances of selling tickets.
Unlike other lotteries, the thai lotto doesn’t require players to select their own numbers. The numbers on the ticket are pre-printed and winning combinations can be determined based on previous results. This makes it difficult to identify hot and cold numbers, but a pattern can still be observed when looking at past results. The thai lotto has two drawings per month and the first prize is usually worth several million baht. Winners must present their winning ticket, a valid identification document and their bank account details to claim the prize.
In addition to a six-digit number, each ticket features a double-tone watermark of a mythical bird called Wayupak in the Thai language and is coated with chemicals that can only be detected when using a special kind of bleach. To further deter counterfeiters, each ticket has a security feature that uses an invisible ink that only glows under ultraviolet light. The paper used for the ticket is also specially treated so drops of bleach will not show stains or marks.
Those who win the thai lotto must visit the GLO headquarters in Bangkok to collect their prize money. The first prize payout is a minimum of three million baht and the jackpot is a maximum of two million baht. To claim the prize, the winner must bring their lottery ticket, a passport and a form of ID. The prize must be claimed within two years from the date of the draw. If the prize is not claimed in time, it will be forfeited to the government. The GLO will then distribute the remaining amount among the other winners. Foreigners are allowed to play the thai lotto and may claim their prizes as long as they meet the requirements. However, the GLO must verify the winner’s identity before awarding the prize. In order to do this, the foreigner must provide a photocopy of their passport. Afterwards, the GLO will send a letter to the winning person or business stating the amount of the prize.
