Thai Lotto is one of the most beloved forms of gambling in Thailand, approved by their government as legal gambling activity and highly popular with its people due to a longstanding tradition that dates back millennia.
Instead of following a traditional lottery format that relies on random selection, Thai lotto employs more complex rules that must be met for success. These include choosing combinations that correspond with symbols in the national flag and dates related to when it was established; tickets contain six-digit numbers which will be randomly drawn on winning dates; results will then be announced shortly afterwards.
Each lottery ticket is printed on special yellow, thin and smooth paper with the watermark of Wayupak the legendary bird, visible only under ultraviolet light. Each ticket also contains two types of silk thread; one that can be seen by naked eyes while the other only visible with ultraviolet lighting. Furthermore, these tickets are coated with chemicals so drops of bleach leave visible stains on them, making counterfeiting much more difficult. They are then numbered and embossed with the official lottery seal to complete the package.
TOTO (Token Operating Token Outcome Tracker) draws the winning numbers. This computerized system is programmed to recognize winning numbers and announce them at approximately 5 pm, after which time winners must present themselves to claim their prize; foreign winners will require both their passport and proof of address as part of this process.
Thai Lotto offers consolation prizes in addition to its main prizes; with the first consolation prize at 10,000 baht and 12,000 baht as its respective consolation prizes respectively. Third prize stands at 2,000 baht with fourth and fifth prizes coming in at 1,000 and 3,000 baht respectively.
If you win the main prize, please visit the GLO office to claim it. Your prize will typically come in the form of a cheque; however, for an additional fee of 50 baht per hundred baht you win, local agents offer cashing services as an option. If claiming in person is your preference, bring winning tickets along with valid identification documents and bank account details with you when visiting the office.
Foreigners will need to pay 0.5% stamp duty on any winnings they obtain through GLO or TOTO lottery services, either by visiting one of their offices in Bangkok or contacting an agent. TOTO offices can be found throughout Bangkok on any map of Bangkok; office hours range from 9am-6pm Monday-Saturday with exceptions being holidays; additionally their website lists locations where tickets can be bought as well as winnings tracking capabilities; for residents in Thailand they may apply for TOTO cards in order to access this lottery service more quickly and claim their winnings quicker.