As the July 16, 2025, lottery draw approaches, anticipation and excitement ripple through Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai and across the nation, where people eagerly seek out lucky numbers rooted in tradition, spirituality, and cultural beliefs. Despite a somewhat subdued market atmosphere due to economic challenges, the lottery scene remains vibrant with unique blends of superstition, historical reverence, and modern fortune-telling techniques.
In Chiang Mai, a city renowned for its rich Buddhist heritage, the hunt for auspicious lottery numbers has taken on a distinctly spiritual tone. On July 14, 2025, vendors and buyers flocked to bustling markets and popular lottery stalls scattered throughout districts such as Tha Phae Gate, Chang Phuak Gate, the train station area, Arcade Bus Terminal, Nong Hoi Market, Mahidol Road in Mueang District, and Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road in Saraphi District. Lottery tickets were priced steadily at 100 baht each, with sets of two available for 220 baht, three for 400 baht, and five ranging between 650 to 700 baht.
Ms. Pornranee Loopuengern, a seasoned lottery vendor on Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, shared insights into the current popularity of numbers linked to significant Buddhist dates. “The numbers tied to July 10, 2025, Asalha Puja (the 15th waxing moon of the eighth month), such as 710 and 158, and July 11, 2025, Buddhist Lent (the 1st waning moon of the eighth month), including 711 and 810, are selling well,” she noted. These dates are deeply revered in the Buddhist calendar, marking important religious observances.
Adding to the spiritual allure, numbers associated with revered monks have also captured public interest. For instance, numbers like 32, 87, and 67 correspond to the years and Buddhist Lent periods related to Phra Phutthathas Phikkhu, who was born on May 27, 1906, and passed away on July 8, 1993. Similarly, 109, 76, and 56 relate to Luang Por Ruesi Lingdam, born July 8, 1916, and deceased October 26, 1992. Ms. Pornranee explained that recent scandals involving inappropriate behavior by some monks have paradoxically increased public fascination with auspicious numbers tied to Buddhism and famous monks of the past.
Other popular lucky numbers flying off the shelves include 10, 28, 73, 74, 30, 18, 94, 68, 69, 90, 04, 11, 904, 906, 907, 411, 713, 768, 769, 459, 710, 782, and 377. Additionally, numbers from the Chinese calendar such as 935, 358, 39, 58, and 35 remain in high demand among lottery enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, Ms. Ploypairin, a renowned lottery fortune teller from Northern Thailand, offered her predictions for the upcoming draw on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. “The lucky pairs for this draw are 4 and 8, with a friendly pair of 2,” she said. Her forecast includes two-digit numbers like 24, 48, 82, 04, 69, 56, 89, 45, 35, 52, 14, 65, 23, 12, 61, 92, 19, 95, 69, 49, 36, 39, 22, 44, and 88. For three-digit numbers, she highlighted options such as 455, 355, 335, 559, 922, 566, 456, 435, 512, 446, 459, 245, 366, 209, 134, 531, 551, 115, 622, 662, and 166. She also cautioned players to be wary of double numbers this round, advising a balanced approach to luck.
Beyond Chiang Mai, the national lottery landscape reflects a more cautious mood. According to reports, the overall atmosphere of government lottery sales ahead of the July 16 draw remains quiet, largely influenced by the country's sluggish economic conditions. Wholesale prices for lottery tickets have dipped from 85-86 baht per ticket in previous draws to 83-84 baht, though retail prices persist at 100 baht each. Digital lottery tickets, a growing segment, still have an estimated 6 to 7 million unsold tickets, while three-digit lottery tickets have seen a surge, with sales surpassing one million units.
The most sought-after number nationwide is the auspicious 728, with sets of five tickets fetching 1,000 baht and single tickets priced at 150 baht. Other favored numbers include 10, 28, 2495, 73, 74, 904, 30, 18, 94, 68, 69, 907, and 906. Numbers connected to the late King Rama IX’s legacy and royal auspices, such as 90, 411, 04, and 11, also enjoy popularity. The Chinese calendar continues to influence choices, with numbers like 935, 358, 39, 58, and 35 in demand. Interestingly, incense stick number sequences, including 026 (with six reversals), remain part of the mix for those seeking every edge.
Ranking the top ten most popular numbers nationwide, the list begins with 28, followed by 10, 95, 73, 04, 30, 18, 69, 58, and 26. The lottery draw itself is scheduled to take place at the Government Lottery Office in Nonthaburi, starting at 14:30 local time, with live broadcasts available on television, radio, and online platforms across the country.
Adding a dash of modern mystique to the mix, A. Notty, a well-known lottery number predictor, has released his forecast for the July 16 draw. His focus centers on the number 9, which he describes as “strong and prominent.” His suggested two-digit numbers include 95, 85, and 93, while single-digit featured numbers are 98 and 89. For three-digit combinations, he recommends 985 and 983, numbers that many believe hold a high probability of appearing. A special mention goes to the number 9999, regarded as a particularly auspicious figure.
Despite the fervor surrounding these lucky numbers, experts and vendors alike urge caution. The unpredictable nature of lottery draws means that no number is guaranteed, and players are reminded to gamble responsibly. As the nation waits for the results, the blend of ancient tradition, royal reverence, and contemporary fortune-telling continues to fuel the excitement and hopes of millions.
Whether it's the spiritual significance of Buddhist holy days, the legacy of revered monks, the influence of royal auspices, or the charismatic predictions of modern fortune tellers, the upcoming lottery draw is more than just a game of chance—it's a cultural event that unites people in hope and anticipation.
