Termite queen lottery: District chief prays for winning numbers

A momentous event unfolded yesterday as the district chief of Bueng Sam Phan, Sompong Thongnoonui, lit a risky incense stick and prayed for a winning lottery number from an elderly termite queen who has been a part of the local mine for over 50 years. The clear three-digit number that emerged, eagerly awaited by a crowd, is set to be the talk of the town for the upcoming lottery on December 1.

The event took place as the administrative board of RPP Limited Company (Thep Prathanphorn 2 Stone Mill), located in Sub Samo Thot, Bueng Sam Phan, Phetchabun, held their annual community-focused safe mining event for the seventh year. This initiative aligns with this year’s policy of the Ministry of Primary Industries and Mines MIND, which aims to mould the industry into a sustainable economic driver through the heart and mind, in harmony with the community.

The event was chaired by Sompong, the district chief of Bueng Sam Phan, and the director of the Office of Primary Industries and Mines, Area 5 Phitsanulok. They welcomed over 400 residents living around the mine who came for their annual health check. Services included blood pressure measurement, free lung X-rays, hairdressing, and complimentary food and drinks. Upon completion of the health check, each participant received a care package to take home.

In addition, the abbot of Wat Khok Ta Yo, Phrakru Woraphatchavisut personally made popcorn to distribute to the health check participants. The abbot shared that he practised making this delicious popcorn with the help of YouTube and went through ten pots before perfecting it. The popcorn was aptly named Wat Khok Ta Yo 75 Popcorn.

The highlight of the event was when district chief Sompong lit an incense stick risking a prayer to the elderly termite queen found around the base of a large tree within the mine. Remarkably, this termite queen has been preserved at the mine for over 50 years. This termite queen tradition drew a crowd of hopeful local lottery players who were eagerly awaiting the predicted numbers, reported Sanook.

The winning number from the termite queen was 602. The locals excitedly captured the number on their mobile phones, ready to test their luck in the upcoming lottery draw on December 1.