“We already support enough”: Foreign tourists push back against lotto guilt-trips, say their rent, bar tabs, and hotel stays are help enough — “Why should we be pressured to gamble too?” (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – In a city where smiles are currency and good times are the draw, foreign visitors have long played a major role in keeping Pattaya’s economy afloat. From beachside bars and massage shops to condo rentals and food stalls, their baht flows steadily — often without complaint. But as campaigns pop up urging tourists to buy Thai lottery tickets to “support local vendors,” many are asking: Haven’t we done enough already? “I buy food, I rent a condo, I tip generously. Why would I need to buy a lottery ticket to support local business?” asked one longtime visitor. “What’s next — tipping the construction workers?” In recent weeks, social media posts and sidewalk pitches have pushed the idea that buying a lottery ticket — usually sold for 100 baht, despite an official price of 80 baht — is a way to show solidarity with local sellers. But that’s sparked skepticism. “They get the tickets for 72 baht, and the official price is 80. So they’re already making a good commission,” one foreigner noted. “But then they turn around and ask 100. That’s nearly a 40% markup. Screw that. I’ll buy drinks, court ladies, stay in hotels — I’m already doing enough.” Others raise concerns about legitimacy. “How does a foreigner know it’s a real ticket?” asked one expat. “Just like legit meds, cigarettes, or watches — it’s hard to tell. Everything looks like a rip-off if you look too closely.” While the Thai government states that lottery revenues contribute to national development, including infrastructure projects, not everyone is convinced that a tourist’s purchase makes a meaningful difference — especially in a city like Pattaya, where spending habits already support a wide range of local businesses. “I’ve always wondered if these tickets are fake,” another visitor said. “There are just so many people selling them now. I’ve bought a bunch of tickets every draw for the last eight years. One win. That’s it. Cheers — I give up being told what to do.” Another, sitting in a bar on Soi Buakhao, said he often sees lottery vendors zig-zagging through traffic to approach bar girls one side at a time. “They’re big spenders too,” he added, watching one seller make her rounds with laminated sheets and a hopeful smile. Further south on Jomtien Beach, an older foreigner settled comfortably into his foldable camp chair, enjoying the sea breeze and a soft orange sunset — half-watching the horizon, half-watching passing women. A Thai man appeared beside him without a word, gently shoving forward a tray of laminated lottery tickets. The foreigner glanced, smiled politely, and waved him off with a soft “no thank you.” Then, to no one in particular, he muttered with a grin, “Do I really need to buy that?” Still, some see it differently. “I won 8,000 baht once,” said one foreigner with a laugh. “Few more zeros would’ve been better, but hey — my girlfriend enjoys it, so what the hell.” But as others point out, there’s a fine line between support and pressure. “It’s not about refusing to help. We’re ready to help Pattaya — big or small — but don’t guilt-trip us. Just treat us fairly, and we’ll keep coming back. And please accept our mai ao krap (no, I don’t want) with smiles.” In a place where the weather might change by the hour, but generosity is always in season, the message from visitors is clear: Happy to give — just don’t sell it as charity disguised as chance. Because as one traveler summed it up while climbing off a baht bus: “If you really want support, maybe just throw cash from the back of the truck. At least then we know where it’s going.”