The Communities of Lottery Sellers: Socio-economic and Cultural Changes in Isan, Thailand

The qualitative research was carried out in Amphoe Wang Saphung, Loei Province; Amphoe Kranuan, Khon Kaen Province; and Amphoe Kaedam, Maha Sarakham Province between October 2012-April 2013 using a survey, observation, interview, focus group discussion and workshop. The 110 sample were divided into groups of 30 key, 50 casual, and 30 general informants respectively. The analysis was based on the research objectives using a triangulation technique and done descriptively. Historically, the people who lived at Amphoe Wang Saphung began to sell lotteries in 1984. Twelve years later, such part-time job spread to Amphoe Kranuan, Khon Kaen Province and Amphoe Kaedam, Maha Sarakham Province. Currently, the lottery sellers at the three villages chose to sell lotteries in Bangkok, tourist areas, such as Rayong and Nakhon Ratchasima Provinces. Some decided to sell theirs in their own Province. Each month, they left their homes trice: the second and the fourth weeks. They often went in groups using pickup trucks, vans or buses. If they worked in their own Province, they often used motorcycles. The problems encountered included car accidents, cheats, arrests due to selling lotteries overprice, and school children skipping classes or drung-addicted.For socio-economic and cultural changes, the lottery sellers had improved their lives materially due to their income earning from selling lotteries. They could afford what they needed, such as land, home appliances, and building jobs in their villages. They had new friends and established social network. Young people chose to marry with outsiders. The people set up lottery selling groups of volunteers. They took health care to political representatives, and village leadership.