What Is the Thai Government Lottery?
The Thai Government Lottery (สลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล) is Thailand's official national lottery, operated by the Government Lottery Office (GLO). It is one of the most popular forms of legal gambling in Thailand, with draws held twice a month — on the 1st and 16th of every month. Millions of Thais and even some foreign residents participate in each draw.
Where Can You Buy Thai Lottery Tickets?
Tickets are sold exclusively through an authorised network of licensed vendors. You can find them at:
- Street vendors – The most common way to buy. Vendors set up stalls near markets, temples, shopping areas, and busy intersections.
- Lottery booths – Fixed booths in markets and bus terminals.
- Online via the GLO app – The Government Lottery Office launched an official online platform to reduce street-price inflation.
Important: It is illegal for foreigners to sell lottery tickets in Thailand, and buying from unauthorised sources can lead to counterfeit tickets.
How Much Does a Ticket Cost?
The official price of one Thai lottery ticket is 80 Thai Baht. However, street vendors sometimes sell tickets at inflated prices — particularly tickets with "popular" numbers such as those ending in 9 or containing repeating digits. The GLO has worked to regulate this, and purchasing through official channels ensures you pay the correct price.
Understanding the Ticket Format
Each Thai lottery ticket has the following key features:
- A 6-digit number — this is the main number used to determine most prizes.
- The draw date printed on the ticket.
- A set number and serial number for verification.
- Security features including watermarks and special printing to prevent counterfeiting.
Tickets are sold in pairs (two tickets with the same number from the same set). You can buy a single ticket or multiple pairs.
Step-by-Step: How to Play
- Choose your ticket – Browse vendors and select a ticket with a number that appeals to you.
- Check the draw date – Make sure the ticket is for the upcoming draw, not a past one.
- Pay the correct price – Official tickets cost 80 Baht each.
- Keep your ticket safe – Store it in a dry, secure place. You need the physical ticket to claim any prize.
- Check results on draw day – Results are announced on the 1st and 16th. Watch the live draw on Thai TV or check the GLO website.
- Claim your prize if you win – Small prizes can be claimed at authorised vendors; larger prizes require a visit to a GLO office.
Who Can Play the Thai Lottery?
Thai nationals and foreign residents in Thailand can legally purchase lottery tickets. The lottery is intended for adults. While tourists can technically purchase tickets, claiming large prizes as a foreigner involves additional documentation processes.
Key Things to Remember
- Never buy tickets without a printed draw date.
- Always check that the ticket number matches your receipt if buying in bulk.
- Lost or damaged tickets cannot be replaced — treat your ticket like cash.
- Results are final and published officially by the GLO.
Understanding how the Thai lottery works is the first step to participating responsibly. It's a fun and culturally rich tradition — just make sure you play within your means and enjoy the experience.