Bangkok: The Government Lottery Office has addressed concerns regarding the barcodes on lottery tickets, stating that these are solely intended to check for counterfeit tickets and not to identify purchasers.
According to Thai News Agency, the matter gained attention following a Facebook post by Mr. Manas Suwannarin, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima. His post humorously compared the barcodes on election ballots to those on lottery tickets, suggesting they breached privacy and the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). He later clarified that his comments were meant to highlight societal perceptions and the tendency to believe unverified information over official explanations.
The Government Lottery Office further clarified through a Facebook post by Lieutenant Colonel Noon Sansanakom, Director of the office. The post explained that the 2D and six-digit barcodes on lottery tickets are designed to prevent counterfeiting. They enable buyers to verify ticket details, such as the draw date and ticket number, using applications like the GLO LOTTERY app.
The office emphasized that these barcodes do not reveal the buyer’s identity. To prove ownership, buyers are advised to write their name and contact information on the back of the ticket, photograph both sides after signing, and keep records of the ticket details. This documentation can assist in reporting a lost ticket or requesting a freeze. Prize claimants must sign or fingerprint the ticket to establish ownership.
The barcode scanning method is just one of several ways to verify ticket authenticity. Buyers are also encouraged to examine physical ticket characteristics, including paper quality and anti-copy markings. Detailed guidelines are available on the Government Lottery Office’s website, www.glo.or.th.