The thai lottery is a government-sanctioned game that is played by both Thais and foreigners. Prize money is announced on the 1st and 16th of every month, with results broadcast live. Players can win big sums of money if they manage to match all six digits in the winning numbers. However, it’s important to note that if there are multiple winners in a particular category, the prize money will be divided equally among them.
While most people don’t have a problem with gambling, some Thais take their luck with the lottery too far. They will visit temples and shrines to pray for the right numbers or even consult fortune tellers. Many also believe in signs of destiny and may rely on omens such as figures in barks of trees (three barks are representative of the number three, and five barks represent the number five), snakes (a giant snake represents the number seven and a small snake represents the number six) or rats (linked to the number one).
Lottery games have been popular in Thailand since 1874 when King Chulalongkorn gave his Royal Bodyguard Department permission to operate a European-style lottery. The lottery was discontinued in the early 1920s, but it was revived again in 1923 when King Vajiravudh allowed citizens to purchase tickets for a new lottery fund called Sua Pa Million-Baht Lottery.
Until recently, a total of 28% of the lottery’s revenue was used for state affairs, and the remainder went to street vendors (12%), ticket wholesalers (2%) and foundation, association and organization discount (3%). In addition, a portion of the proceeds was also used to buy weapons for police.
Nowadays, the lottery is more of a social event than an economic activity. The government has made great strides in ensuring that the game is fair for all. Nevertheless, it has not yet made the leap to move it online. Instead, tickets are still sold in stores or by street vendors. The game is so popular that there are even underground operators who sell lottery tickets, albeit illegally.
Winners of the thai lotto have two years from the date of the drawing to claim their prize money. Sums of less than 20,000 baht can be cashed out immediately, while larger prizes must be claimed at the head GLO office in Nonthaburi. A passport is required for verification. Larger prizes are not paid out in cash; instead, a cheque is issued to the winner. Winners can also choose to have their prizes transferred to a bank account. A GLO official will then verify the identity of the winner and sign a certificate. The process can be lengthy, but it’s worth it for a life-changing jackpot.
