Why Do I Have to Pay Extra for Lottery Tickets in Thailand?

You’re probably used to buying lottery tickets back home without any extra fees, so it can be confusing when you’re asked to pay more in Thailand. The extra charge is usually around 10-20 baht, but it can add up if you’re a regular buyer.

One of the main reasons for this extra charge is that the vendors are not officially employed by the lottery organization. In Thailand, the lottery is run by the Government Lottery Office (GLO), which is a state-owned enterprise. The GLO sells lottery tickets to authorized vendors, who then sell them to customers. However, the vendors are not paid a salary by the GLO, so they need to make a profit from selling the tickets.

The extra charge is often referred to as a “commission” or “service charge.” However, it’s not an official fee, and the GLO does not authorize vendors to charge extra. In fact, the GLO has tried to crack down on vendors who charge extra, but it’s a difficult problem to solve.

So, what can you do if you don’t want to pay extra for your lottery tickets? Here are a few options:

• Buy tickets directly from the GLO: You can buy lottery tickets directly from the GLO office or from authorized vendors who don’t charge extra. You can find a list of authorized vendors on the GLO website.
• Look for vendors who don’t charge extra: Some vendors may not charge extra, especially if they’re selling a large number of tickets. You can try asking around to find a vendor who doesn’t charge extra.
• Consider buying online: Some online platforms allow you to buy lottery tickets without extra fees. However, be careful when buying online, as some platforms may not be legitimate.

It’s worth noting that the extra charge for lottery tickets is not unique to Thailand. In some countries, vendors may charge extra for selling tickets, especially if they’re not officially employed by the lottery organization.

In summary, the extra charge for lottery tickets in Thailand is usually due to the vendor trying to make a profit. While it can be frustrating, there are ways to avoid paying extra. By buying directly from the GLO or looking for vendors who don’t charge extra, you can save money and enjoy playing the lottery without any hassle.