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

Abstract

The qualitative research was carried out in three villages of lottery seller in three Isan provinces of Thailand Amphoe Wang Saphung, Loei Province; Amphoe Kranuan, Khon  Kaen  Province; and Amphoe Kaedam, Maha  Sarakham Province. The study assessed using a survey, observations, interviews, focus group discussions, and workshop. The analysis was based on the research objectives using a triangulation technique and done descriptively. The results show that 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 drug-addicted. The 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.