Culture
Crowds Gather at Wat Khao Chong Lom to Seek Lottery Luck
Visitors are flocking to a Chonburi temple to pray to a massive Thao Wessuwan statue, hoping for lottery success after reports of multiple winners.
On August 15, 2026, large crowds gathered at Wat Khao Chong Lom in Si Racha, Chonburi, to pay respects to the 'Thao Wessuwan Song Rahu' (Than Thong Lon) statue. According to Khaosod Online, the site has become a popular destination for those seeking good fortune ahead of the upcoming lottery draw.
The temple features two notable statues of the deity. The larger brass statue, standing 15.99 meters tall and weighing 80 tons, is reported to be the tallest of its kind in Thailand. It was consecrated on July 24, 2026. A smaller 9.9-meter stucco version is also present. Reports indicate that 19 people have previously won the first-prize lottery after praying to the smaller statue, while one person has reportedly won the top prize after visiting the larger brass monument.
For travelers and residents, this site offers a glimpse into contemporary Thai merit-making traditions and local beliefs surrounding lottery culture. While the atmosphere is festive, visitors should be aware that the area can become quite crowded, especially as lottery draw dates approach. It remains to be confirmed how many additional visitors will arrive as the draw date nears, and the temple has not provided official verification of the lottery claims mentioned by worshippers.