Despite its status as a legal and regulated form of gambling, the lottery has always been a hotly debated subject in Thailand. Some argue that it is a scam, while others point to the societal benefits that result from it. But no matter where you stand on the issue, there is no denying that Thais are big fans of the game. In fact, the bi-monthly draws attract massive crowds.

There are a variety of ways that Thais find their lucky numbers, from creepy dreams to visiting temples for merit and consulting monks. These rituals may seem far-fetched to outsiders, but they play an important role in the way that many Thais live their lives. And for them, the chances of winning a grand prize are very real.

For instance, Bom, a 32-year-old accountant from Bangkok, has a very specific strategy for choosing his lottery numbers. He starts by studying the numbers that have been drawn in the past. He then picks the numbers that have matched those in his own life and those of his friends. His method is precise and evidently follows a long-practiced ritual, but it’s difficult for an outsider to understand.

Another popular technique is to consult fortune tellers, known as esiimsi. These people use a set of bamboo sticks marked with numbers. The person who is consulted shakes the sticks until one of them drops, and that number is then deemed to be their lucky number. Esiimsi is usually done 3 times and the results are used as the final three digits in the lottery ticket. Many locals head to crowded spots like Sawang Arom Temple, whose water basin is believed to have supernatural powers, in order to try their luck with esiimsi.

Many Thais also believe that the behaviour of animals is a huge clue for upcoming lottery numbers. For example, if a person finds a tortoise on the road, it’s thought to be a good sign as the turtle’s gold shell will bring them luck in the lottery. Similarly, if you see an animal acting in unusual ways, it’s believed to be a sign of future wealth.

Other methods of finding lucky numbers include calculating short odds and selecting a number based on life events. However, if you plan to use these techniques, it is best to be careful. Choosing a number based on estimations can be expensive in the long run. Moreover, using these methods can decrease your chances of winning the jackpot. In addition, you should avoid picking a number that is related to your age or birth date.