The Thai lottery is one of two forms of legal gambling in Thailand. It is a big business that draws in more than 19 million people each month; 28.6% of the country’s population. And while it’s not exactly a lucrative enterprise, the bi-monthly draw offers a bit of excitement and a chance to win big prizes. But beyond the numbers, the lottery is also a cultural phenomenon that is deeply woven into Thai society. The grand aspirations attached to it fuel the human spirit and nurture a sense of optimism and hope. It’s the reason that, on the 1st and 16th of every month, hordes of people gather around television sets to watch winning lottery numbers get drawn live on TV.
Lottery culture in Thailand has evolved from a strictly commercial activity to one that is both culturally and socially significant. In addition to the obvious economic benefits, lottery tickets offer a way for people to bond and support their friends and family. It’s not surprising that the tradition has branched out to online platforms, as people are drawn to the convenience of playing the lottery at home or on their mobile devices.
Locals are always looking for a way to win the lottery. And, as superstitious folk, they’re quick to share their wacky methods for finding the perfect numbers. Some of these techniques are based on old folklore and some are just a little odd. But, hey, if they work, then why not?
Candle drippings, palm reading, and esiimsi are just some of the many ways that people try to find their lucky numbers. One of the most popular practices is to visit temples and make merit to glean the numbers from monks. This practice aligns with Buddhist beliefs that good deeds are rewarded with good fortune. Interestingly enough, monks have been providing lottery consultation services since as early as 1900.
Other than the aforementioned techniques, locals also believe that animal behaviours can be an indicator of future lottery numbers. For example, a tortoise that is found in an unusual place or acts strangely could be a sign that it will soon win the lottery. Another method that’s being used is to rely on a luck-telling game called echiiymchii (siam si). This involves shaking bamboo sticks marked with numbers until one falls out. The number that drops out is considered a lucky number. The Sawang Arom temple is a popular destination for locals to try their hand at this ancient form of fortune telling.
Bom’s elaborate strategy for choosing lottery numbers gives us a glimpse into some of the mysteries within this culture. But, his giddy smile is more about enjoying the process with his friends than it is about faith in his method. In any case, his elaborate system is a fun and entertaining way to bond with friends and make some extra cash.