Bangkok: “Big Dul” is set to meet with three parties to discuss the issue of government lottery quotas. Big Dul, formally known as Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen, Deputy Minister of Defense, has scheduled discussions with the Government Lottery Office, the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence, and the Association of the Disabled following concerns raised by the opposition regarding government lottery quotas.
According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Gen. Adul addressed issues related to government lottery tickets that were previously allocated to the War Veterans Organization (WVO). He noted that the lottery system has been undergoing changes. Initially, the Government Lottery Office had an allocation of over 10,000 tickets, which allowed veterans to sell them. However, this practice was criticized as being disrespectful to disabled soldiers, prompting a three-party development initiative involving the Ministry of Finance, the WVO, and the Thai Association of the Disabled, with the WVO designated to address the issue.
Lt. Gen. Adul mentioned that the resolution included reallocating a quota of over 4,000 books to the Thai Association of the Disabled and more than 6,000 to the National Security Council (NSDC), which is responsible for managing the books. The NSDC has engaged vendors to assist in distributing the books, with the proceeds directed towards veteran care. Discussions with the NSDC director will focus on the extent of care provided.
In response to inquiries about disabled soldiers selling lottery tickets, Lt. Gen. Adul clarified that the Disabled Persons Association will oversee the business operations. Disabled individuals or vendors may participate in ticket sales if considered suitable.
Lt. Gen. Adul elaborated that veterans previously received booklets containing 100 lottery tickets, which they sometimes sold at a loss. This financial setback led to complaints and requests for assistance from the National Security Council, resulting in the initiation of the trilateral discussions.