The thai lotto is the state lottery of Thailand. The game is not the largest in the world in terms of jackpot prizes, but its national popularity and Thai passion for chasing lucky number tickets makes it a cultural phenomenon worth exploring. While some may argue that the game could use more regulation and higher top prizes, it’s hard to resist the appeal of this mystical lottery game.
Each ticket has a six-digit number printed on it, and in order to discourage counterfeiting, the paper is made with special chemicals that will stain when exposed to bleach. It also features a two-tone watermark of Wayupak, the mythical bird of Thailand, and a silk thread that will glow under ultraviolet light.
When playing the thai lotto, players must choose a combination of numbers from 1 to 99. They can then select the ticket they wish to purchase, and they will receive their prize if their selected numbers match those drawn in the lottery draw. The prize varies depending on the amount of numbers matched, with the highest prize going to those who choose all seven of the winning numbers.
Lottery winnings are taxable in Thailand, and winners must present their winning ticket together with a Thai identification card or passport for foreign bettors to claim their prize. They will then be asked to fill out a form that lists their details and those of their bank account. Winnings of 20,000 baht or less can be claimed on the same day, while those of more than that will need to wait for at least 15 days before they can be collected.
While some people play the thai lotto for purely financial reasons, others use it as a form of spirituality. They visit shrines and temples to pray for luck, and some even have their numbers picked for them by fortune tellers. In the West, few people will head to their local vicar for a lottery prediction, but in Thailand, a trip to the temple or the shrine of a deceased monk is a commonplace way to ask for a hint of which numbers might do well in the next draw.
The thai lotto draws take place twice a month, on the first and 16th of each month. The results of the drawing are announced on television and in the newspaper. The government will then distribute the winnings to those who have purchased a ticket. Winners should bring their winning ticket and a valid ID to GLO headquarters to claim their prize.
