Entrepreneur in Thailand Makes Fortune Selling “Pre-Owned” Lottery Tickets to Tourists
By Albert Immerson, Chief Crime Correspondent
DISCLAIMER: The following story is a work of satire and is entirely fictional. Its all true!!
Police in Thailand are said to be scratching their heads after a resourceful street vendor allegedly made a small fortune selling “pre-owned lottery tickets with nearly winning numbers” to unsuspecting foreign tourists.
The businessman, known only as Mr Lucky Lek, proudly operated from a folding table outside a busy market beneath a brightly coloured sign reading:
“ALMOST WON! MUCH BETTER ODDS THAN LOSING COMPLETELY!”
When questioned about his unusual business model, Mr Lucky Lek remained completely unfazed.
“Brand-new losing tickets are everywhere,” he explained.
“I specialise in tickets that came very close to making someone rich.”
He then produced hundreds of neatly organised tickets sorted into special categories:
- 🥈 Missed First Prize by One Number – 500 baht
- 🥉 Nearly Won Something – 300 baht
- 🍀 Lucky Feeling Included – 200 baht
- ⭐ Guaranteed to Have Been Exciting Last Week – 150 baht
- 💎 Premium Collector’s Near-Millionaire Edition – 1,000 baht
Business, he claimed, was booming.
“I sell hope with historical evidence.”
One British tourist proudly purchased three “Almost Jackpot” tickets.
“They’ve definitely got winning numbers on them,” he said enthusiastically.
“They’re just… from last month’s draw.”
An Australian backpacker admitted he couldn’t resist.
“I figured they were cheaper than actually winning.”
Meanwhile, a German visitor carefully framed his ticket after discovering it had matched five numbers…
“…just not in the same draw.”
The scheme became even more elaborate when Mr Lucky Lek introduced his exclusive VIP Nearly Rich Membership Club.
Members receive:
- One “Almost Winning” ticket every week.
- A personalised certificate declaring them “Financially Close.”
- A free lucky rubber band.
- Priority access to next month’s nearly successful tickets.
For an extra 500 baht, customers could also purchase a “Professional Celebration Package,” allowing them to practise celebrating before discovering they hadn’t actually won.
Economists have described the business as:
“Remarkably pointless… but surprisingly profitable.”
Local traders admitted they admired the creativity.
One market stall owner said,
“I’ve sold souvenirs for twenty years.”
“I never thought of selling disappointment.”
Not wanting to miss out, competitors quickly launched rival products.
One began selling “Almost Winning Scratch Cards.”
Another offered “Second-Hand Lucky Charms.”
A third advertised:
“Photographs of people who nearly became millionaires.”
As Albert Immerson wandered through the market, he noticed a growing queue outside Mr Lucky Lek’s stall.
Curious, he asked one customer why he was buying an expired ticket.
The tourist smiled confidently.
“You never know.”
Albert gently pointed out that the draw had taken place three weeks earlier.
The tourist shrugged.
“I know.”
“But if they ever decide to have another look…”
“…I reckon I’ve got a chance.”