Monk wins 12 million baht lottery, plans to help community

The abbot of Wat Si Chumphon in Khon Kaen received a warm celebration from devotees after winning 12 million baht in the national lottery. The 69 year old monk shared his journey of finding the winning numbers and his plans for the prize money.

Wat Si Chumphon in Ban Nong Kiao, Khon Kaen, was buzzing with excitement as locals and followers gathered to congratulate Phra Nopporn Khemako, who recently won the first prize in the lottery. The 69 year old abbot purchased two winning tickets, netting him a total of 12 million baht.

Phra Nopporn bought the tickets in Ban Phai district after attending a religious ceremony. He explained that he did not receive the numbers in a dream or from any supernatural means but simply decided to buy the numbers 77, 46, and 41 after feeling a strong urge.

“I just felt like buying those numbers, so I went around looking for them and bought them without any special reason.”

The abbot added that he enjoys making merit and has no special talismans or amulets.

The monk plans to use the winnings for charitable purposes, including temple renovations and personal health care. He mentioned that he frequently donates money for various causes, sometimes in amounts ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of baht.

“I intend to discuss the prize with my relatives before cashing it in. The money will be used solely for making merit, such as celebrating the temple hall and constructing a new chapel, and for my healthcare.”

Despite his significant win, this is not the first time the abbot has had luck with the lottery. He has won smaller amounts in the past, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of baht. His consistent wins have often been used to fund various temple projects and help those in need.

For security reasons, Phra Nopporn entrusted his sister in Maha Sarakham Province to file a police report documenting the winning tickets. This step ensures that the tickets are safely recorded while he waits to cash them in, reported Sanook.