The Thai Government has announced a new initiative that will allow players of the state's digital lottery to convert spending on non-winning tickets into retirement savings.
The programme, part of the administration's "Quick Big Wins" reforms, is expected to launch within four months.
The scheme will be available exclusively to users purchasing tickets through the state's Pao Tang digital application.
A portion of the ticket value from unsuccessful plays will be credited into individual savings accounts, which will be managed under rules similar to a Retirement Mutual Fund (RMF).
Participants will be able to access their savings once they reach the age of 55.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas confirmed the plan, stating that the goal is to promote thrift and strengthen long-term financial security in an aging society.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Lavaron Sangsnit emphasised that the savings component will be financed from the 17% share of lottery revenue allocated to the Government Lottery Office (GLO).
In addition to retirement savings, balances may be used as collateral for loans, aiming to offer participants greater financial flexibility.
Those aged 56 and above will be able to continue saving for an additional five years, potentially increasing their accumulated retirement funds.
Authorities believe the scheme could eventually generate tens of billions of baht in savings if widely adopted.
Discussions with the GLO and Krung Thai Bank, which operates the Pao Tang platform, have confirmed that the programme is both legally and technically viable.
Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas clarified that the initiative is separate from the National Savings Fund's existing "Lottery Pension" programme
