THAI LOTTERY
Every 1st and 16th of the month, when lottery numbers are drawn live on television, hordes tune in with tickets clutched in hand. Though a doomed investment, the lottery experience unites the country in the shared dream of sudden wealth. It’s a dream that’s not just an abstract figment of imagination; it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life and is rooted in Thailand’s religious, political and economic history.
The official national lottery (Thai:
It’s difficult to understand the lottery culture that exists in the country, especially for outsiders. Bom’s elaborate number selection strategy hints at this culture, but it would be nearly impossible for an outsider to follow. He consults a chart of possible numbers, then scribbles down a second set of integers and crosses them out in a precise pattern until he has just two digits left. He says he doesn’t believe in lucky numbers, but he does enjoy the social aspect of choosing his lottery numbers with his friends. They have a Line group chat where they share their different lottery tactics.
Aside from the official lottery, many Thais participate in an underground lottery that operates by selling individual tickets for a few baht at a time. Its popularity is partly due to its lower price point and potential pay-outs, but it’s also attributed to the flexibility in how the tickets are purchased. Underground lottery participants can purchase the same numbers as the official lottery, but they can choose which numbers they want to buy and can participate multiple times a day.
While the underground lottery is not officially sanctioned by the government, it’s been known to have a far higher payout than the official lottery. It’s also more accessible to people who don’t have enough money to play the official lottery or can’t afford a TV subscription. While it may not offer as many prizes, the underground lottery is a significant contributor to the local economy. It also provides a way for some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens to make a living. Disabled people, for example, often sell lottery tickets to support themselves and their families. Despite this, it’s still not an ideal source of income for these individuals, and they often face discrimination from employers who don’t want to make accommodations such as ramps or wider doors. In addition, they are sometimes harassed in the streets by potential buyers. For this reason, it is essential that people with disabilities seek employment in areas where they can work without risking their lottery income.