Consumer Protection Panel to Propose Increased Lottery Prizes, Boosting First Prize to 10 Million Baht
A Consumer Protection Committee MP is proposing to nearly double government lottery prizes, including raising the first prize from 6 million to 10 million baht, citing the Lottery Office's strong profits and a decade without increases.
On May 15, 2025, at parliament, Boonruay Yamchinda, a list MP from the United Thai Community Party and vice chair of the Consumer Protection Committee, announced the panel's first meeting agenda following a press conference. The committee aims to address consumer complaints and grievances, with Yamchinda personally pushing for increased government lottery prizes to be presented at the May 21 meeting.
"The proposal is to increase two-digit prizes from 2,000 baht to 5,000 baht, three-digit prizes from 4,000 baht to 10,000 baht, and the first prize from 6 million baht to 10 million baht," Yamchinda stated. "This falls within the committee's scope since it addresses public complaints from consumers who want higher prizes. The lottery has not increased prizes in 10 years, yet the Lottery Office generates massive profits annually. We should review prize money to ensure fairness to consumers."
Yamchinda added that if the committee approves, they will push forward aggressively by summoning the Lottery Office director to provide revenue and profit data for each year. The goal is to share profits with the public through increased social welfare programs, such as expanded education funds for poor students and increased school meal allowances currently set at just 20 baht per child.
"The Lottery Office should not take advantage of people whose prizes have not increased in years," Yamchinda said. "This appeals to the public because many Thais enjoy gambling. Increasing prizes is not spoiling people—it's a commercial matter that could also help reduce illegal underground lottery operations."
