In Thailand, the lottery is a popular game. It is one of the only forms of gambling allowed in the country, and people are very serious about it. Many players follow a variety of strategies to increase their chances of winning, including praying to banana trees, interpreting dreams, and seeing animals in the build-up to a draw. Others use lucky numbers and fortune telling with bamboo sticks. Some also choose to purchase multiple tickets in the hope that they’ll hit the jackpot.
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) runs the lottery in Thailand. This agency prints and sells the tickets to distributors. It uses 28% of the proceeds for state affairs and purposes. The remainder is divided between street vendors (12%), ticket wholesalers (2%), and social activity funds (3%) for foundations, associations, and organizations.
While the GLO has made great strides to ensure that lottery tickets are a fair and honest way to play, there is still an element of superstition that persists. For example, a number of Thais believe that the numbers on license plates and on highways where accidents have occurred are good lottery numbers. This is perhaps a reflection of the country’s culture, which tends to view tragedy as foreshadowing fortune.
There are two types of lottery tickets in Thailand: the government lottery and the charity lottery. Both are played in the same draws, but the prizes and odds of winning are different. In addition, the top prize for the government lottery is a little higher than that of the charity lottery.
Tickets for the Thai lottery are printed on special yellow paper that is thin, smooth and has a watermark of a mythical bird called a Wayupak. The paper is coated with chemicals and can be tested by dropping drops of bleach onto it; the stains will show if it’s real or not. The paper is also treated to prevent fading and discoloration.
Winners of the lottery can claim their winnings at any authorised venue that sells tickets or from the head GLO office in Nonthaburi. The prize money must be claimed within two years of the drawing date, and a cheque will be issued in the name of the winner.
While the thai lottery isn’t the most massive jackpot in the world, it’s still a fun and straightforward opportunity to win some money. And while a little more regulation and a bigger top prize would be nice, the national enthusiasm and passion for this lottery make it worth a try if you’re in Thailand. Just be sure to read the rules carefully before buying your tickets. Good luck!
