Thai woman admits 90 million baht lottery win was a scam

A Thai woman from Nakhon Phanom stirred controversy this week by claiming she scooped a whopping 90 million baht on the lottery with 15 winning tickets drawn on December 30, 2022.

The woman, Pa Porn Premmanee, a medium from Nam Kam in the That Phanom district, initially alleged that she had not yet received the full prize money. This claim led to widespread scrutiny and criticism, with many questioning the authenticity of her story.

Some residents speculated that Pa Porn’s assertions were merely a publicity stunt, especially after it was revealed that there were discrepancies in the prize claim process and no records of her cashing in the tickets.

Pa Porn today, June 28, appeared on the popular show Hone Krasae, hosted by Num Kanchai, to address these critical questions. When asked whether the 15 lottery tickets she claimed to have won were genuine, she admitted that they were not.

“I did buy the tickets but they weren’t winning tickets. I purchased them from someone who claimed they couldn’t cash them themselves because they were a foreigner without an ID card. They sold them to me for 50,000 baht. I only found out later that the tickets were fake and couldn’t be cashed in.”

Her confession confirmed that the highly publicised 90 million baht lottery win was a scam, with Pa Porn herself being deceived by the seller of the counterfeit tickets. The tickets, which she thought were her ticket to riches, turned out to be worthless.

Lottery scams

The revelation not only debunked Pa Porn’s claims but also highlighted the prevalence of lottery scams in the region. Lottery scams are not uncommon in Thailand, where the allure of quick riches can sometimes cloud judgment. These scams often involve fake tickets or fraudulent claims, and victims can lose significant amounts of money.

This incident has prompted discussions about the need for better public awareness and stricter regulations to prevent such scams. It also serves as a cautionary tale for those who might be tempted to buy lottery tickets from unofficial sources.

The case of Pa Porn underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of lottery tickets and dealing only with authorised sellers. It also highlights the emotional and financial toll that such scams can take on victims, who may be too embarrassed or ashamed to come forward.

“I was too scared to tell anyone. When I checked the tickets later and realised they were fake, I didn’t know what to do.”

Her appearance on Hone Krasae has brought her story into the public eye but it has also provided some clarity on a situation that had many people speculating. While Pa Porn’s initial claim of a big lottery win may have been false, her admission has shed light on a broader issue that affects many.

Picture courtesy of SanookOriginal story: Thai woman’s 90 million baht lottery win under scrutiny

A Thai woman claiming to have won 90 million baht in the lottery is now under scrutiny as questions arise about the authenticity of her claim and her ongoing legal troubles. The situation escalated after her son allegedly discovered the winning lottery tickets while attempting to steal money from her purse.

The woman’s lottery win came under public attention when a Facebook user and YouTube channel Baw Beer That Phanom shared images and videos claiming she had won the first prize in the lottery, amounting to 90 million baht (US$ 2.4 million).

The son reportedly found a set of five lottery tickets worth 30 million baht (US$ 813,000) and claimed that 60 million baht (US$1.6 million) had already been cashed in, with plans to cash the remaining tickets on her birthday, June 30 next year. However, neighbours expressed doubts, questioning why she had not used the winnings to redeem her mortgaged house and why the house remained in disrepair.

Police Colonel Thawin Kamkas, the superintendent of That Phanom district, revealed that Premmanee, the woman in question, had been sued for eviction after mortgaging her house to a bank in Sakon Nakhon province. The specific debt amount remains unknown.

The lender’s lawyer sought a search warrant from the Nakhon Phanom court but the request was denied due to insufficient evidence. The arrest warrant remains active because Premmanee missed two court-ordered mediation sessions with her creditor. The police stated they could arrest her if found outside her home.

Neighbours reported ongoing disputes between Premmanee and her second son, suggesting that she might still be at home. They also questioned her claim of possessing assets worth 1.5 billion baht (US$40 million), which locals found implausible.

Lottery win

Pol. Col. Thawin commented on images of Premmanee holding lottery tickets circulating on social media. If it can be proven that she did not win the lottery, it could be considered fraud. The Government Lottery Office would need to verify the claim, and anyone else who feels wronged by the situation can file a complaint for further legal action. Additionally, YouTubers who broadcast the story could face consequences if the claims are proven false.

A local reporter noted that a pickup truck delivering water to Premmanee’s home found the front gate locked with a “Private Property, No Entry,” sign. The delivery person had been supplying water to the house for three to four years and had to climb over the fence to deliver 10 20-litre water containers, costing 400 to 500 baht (US$11 to 13.5) per delivery. The water meter had been disconnected and the water bill was paid via Line chat, reported KhaoSod.

Village headman 59 year old Prajit Srilasak reported that neighbours saw lights on at Premmanee’s house the previous night and heard loud arguments. The arguments included her second son, who had previously spoken to the media, yelling at his mother to take responsibility for her actions.