Abandoned Temple Draws Lottery Seekers With Mystical Tales
Locals and tourists flock to a century-old abandoned temple in Ang Thong province to seek lottery numbers and good fortune, with the latest visitors receiving the lucky numbers 40 and 280.
On August 10, crowds of locals and tourists visited the ruined chapel at Wat Nong Tao in Moo 5, Bang Phlap subdistrict, Phi Thong district, Ang Thong province, to pray for good fortune. Lucky winners from the previous lottery draw came to give thanks and sought lucky numbers, receiving the numbers 40 and 280.
Wat Nong Tao is an abandoned temple over 100 years old with a roofless chapel surrounded by beautiful bodhi trees. Local legend tells of people dressed in traditional Thai clothes emerging from the chapel to dance and perform pi phat music on Buddhist holy evenings.
Today only ruins remain of the temple, measuring approximately 6 meters wide and 12 meters long, with large bodhi and tamarind trees growing through the center. Before each lottery draw, locals and tourists visit to pray, take photos, and seek blessings. Those whose wishes come true return to express gratitude as a regular practice.
