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Lottery Culture in Thailand

Why is the lottery so popular in Thailand? In this Thai Thai Series lesson, travel back to 1832 to discover how the Thai lottery began, why it survived when other forms of gambling were banned, and how it works today. You’ll learn the difference between the government lottery, the illegal underground lottery, and bank savings lotteries, plus some of the unusual ways people search for lucky numbers, from dreams to car licence plates. The lesson ends with a real family story of a lucky lottery win.

Thai Vocabulary:
หวย (hǔay) – Lottery
สลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล (sà-làak gin bɛ̀ng rát-tà-baan) – Government lottery
หวยใต้ดิน (hǔay tâi din) – Underground lottery
สลากออมทรัพย์ (sà-làak ɔɔm sáp) – Savings lottery
ถูกหวย (tùuk hǔay) – To win the lottery

Have you ever bought a Thai lottery ticket? Share your experience in the comments!

Advanced IntermediateBankingBuddhismChinaCultureDreamsEconomyFamilyGamblingGovernmentHistoryHolidaysLawLotteryLuckMoneyNewsNumbersRama IiiRama VSavingsSuperstition

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