With the national lottery draw just around the corner, fortune-seekers have been flocking to Wat Klang Bang Phra in Nakhon Pathom province, hoping to strike it rich with a little divine help.
Crowds gathered at the temple in Nakhon Chai Si district, where the towering 30-metre Luang Pho Somwang Buddha statue has become a magnet for those chasing lucky numbers. The air was filled with incense smoke as visitors prayed for prosperity, offered flowers and fruit, and pressed gold leaf onto the statue’s right hand and its replica for blessings.
As the draw approaches, devotees can be seen shaking bamboo sticks for fortune, drawing numbered slips from jars, and rushing to nearby stalls to buy lottery tickets matching their auspicious digits.
Among the hopefuls was 61 year old Tipawan Channarong, a retired civil servant from Phutthamonthon. She said she often visits the temple to pray for good health, family happiness, and peace for the country. On this visit, which coincided with her birthday, she also donated to monks to make merit.
While participating in the jar draw, Tipawan revealed she pulled the numbers 4, 3 and 0. She explained that she has always favoured the numbers 3 and 4, adding that she hoped these would prove auspicious in the upcoming lottery. Before leaving, she was seen browsing the nearby ticket stalls, searching for her chosen combinations.
Tipawan also promised that if fortune smiled upon her, she would return to Luang Pho Somwang with a special offering in gratitude.
Temple officials said both Thai and foreign visitors continue to visit regularly, with many tying their faith and fortune to the iconic Buddha statue, reported KhaoSod.
Luang Pho Somwang, standing tall and gleaming in gold, has long been associated with blessings of wealth and good luck, drawing believers from across the country, particularly in the days leading up to a lottery draw.
The story Lottery fever grips central Thailand at giant Buddha shrine as seen on Thaiger News.
