Thai Buddhist Monks Banned From Predicting Lottery Numbers

Thailand’s Supreme Buddhist Council has prohibited monks from engaging in activities linked to gambling predictions, including announcing “lucky” lottery numbers, The Thaiger reported citing the council’s official statement.

The move follows reports that some monks had allegedly offered lottery-related predictions to worshippers. In response, the council stressed that such practices violate monastic discipline and risk encouraging gambling addiction.

The ban dates back to a royal decree issued by King Rama IV in 1860 and has been in effect in its modern form since 1955. Despite repeated warnings, some monks continue to attract followers with claims of supernatural powers, amplified by the spread of social media.

“Monks should not present themselves as mystical figures. Promoting gambling through ‘lucky’ numbers only diverts society from the path of Dharma,” a council representative said.

The statement emphasized that any monk’s actions that could be interpreted as fortune-telling or promoting gambling constitute a violation of religious rules and are subject to disciplinary measures within the Buddhist community.

Earlier, Gamblimg Park reported on a Thai monk who embezzled more than $9 million from temple funds to fuel gambling activities.