Chalong resident hits 30 million baht jackpot in national lottery

Champagne corks popped for a resident of Chalong, Phuket, after she hit the jackpot, winning a colossal 30 million baht from the National Government Lottery.

Naranun Ruchichaiyapat revealed her good fortune yesterday, March 17, upon receiving the hefty cash prize from Panthawat “Not” Nakwisut, the CEO of the lottery ticket application, Lottery Plus. The 44 year old woman, who is affectionately known as Nara, expressed her gratitude towards Nakwisut, recalling the moment she realised she had won.

“When Nakwisut called me personally, I knew I had won.”

The lucky Thai jackpot winner disclosed that she had bought five tickets bearing the number 997626 via the Lottery Plus application. The inspiration for the number 26 came to her at a petrol station in Chumphon, while she was en route to visit her son in Nong Bua Lamphu.

Naranun has big plans for her winnings. She has decided to pay off her sister’s car and invest in a house. Despite her newfound wealth, she plans to continue working. Her mother passed away when she was young, and her father, residing in Nong Bus Lumphu, had taken on the responsibility of raising her son while she was employed.

Naranun recounted her call to her father to share the exciting news, reported Phuket News.

“I waited for a few hours [before telling him]. I was afraid that he would be shocked and then slowly let the people in the village know.

“After all, the entire Nong Bua Lamphu will be having a party in its country style. Anyone passing by will stop by to eat in our country-style celebrations.”

In related news, one recent lottery winner has donated nearly half of their 6 million baht (US$167,033) prize, a sum of 2.4 million baht (US$ 66,807), to Wat Ton in Nonthaburi Province after praying for luck and winning the first prize.

The donation follows a promise made to the revered Luang Phor Samret statue at the temple, which is believed to have been with the temple since the late Ayutthaya period.