The Thai Lottery (Thai: ; RTGS: salak kin baeng) is one of only two forms of legal gambling in Thailand and is played by over 19 million natives, or 28% of the population. Despite its popularity, it is also the subject of debate and criticism because of its role as a state revenue generator and its potential to stimulate consumption.

The lottery, with its promise of sudden wealth, unites people in a shared dream and fuels the human spirit. Even if that dream doesn’t come true, the lottery experience fosters optimism and hope for better days ahead.

Lottery winners collect their prizes at the official lotto counters. These are located near the ticket sales outlets, tucked away behind a row of street vendors and staffed by smiling chaw san. The counters display prize amounts and jackpot numbers on a large screen. They are open from 9:30 am to 10:30 pm on the first and 16th day of every month.

Whether purchasing tickets at the counter or via an online website, the process is quick and simple. A queue number is issued and patrons must present their winning tickets, a valid ID card, and the receipt to receive their prize. Winners must pay 0.5% stamp duty on government lottery prizes and 1% for charitable lottery wins.

To win the lottery, players choose a series of numbers from the 1st through the 5th prize level, and then check their results against those of the Government Lottery Office (GLO). Unlike other games, single tickets are not sold; only ticket pairs are available for purchase. The tickets are pre-printed, include a variety of anti-counterfeiting features, and contain the schedule of prizes and ancillary information. They are also numbered to prevent tampering.