Nakhon Phanom: Lottery chaos has erupted in Nakhon Phanom Province after a vendor, Mrs. Boonlom, commonly known as Grandma Lae, became a millionaire overnight, winning a 12 million baht lottery prize. The situation turned contentious when a retired police officer, Pol. Lt. Thitipat, referred to as Captain Khem, lodged a complaint alleging that Grandma Lae embezzled his lottery winnings.
According to Thai News Agency, the controversy began when Grandma Lae, who runs a laab koi shop, publicized her lottery win, claiming only one ticket worth 6 million baht was hers. She recounted that Captain Khem, a regular patron, had given her two lottery tickets, ostensibly to share in the potential winnings. However, Captain Khem later accused her of embezzling the tickets, asserting they were his and he had merely left them with her for safekeeping, intending to share any winnings.
The dispute intensified when both parties filed separate complaints at That Phanom Police Station about an hour apart. Captain Khem alleged that Grandma Lae agreed to give him 2 million baht of the winnings but subsequently avoided contact. Meanwhile, reports surfaced that Grandma Lae had traveled to visit her child in another province, further complicating the situation.
Superintendent Pol. Col. Thawin Khamket of That Phanom Police Station confirmed that the complaint was filed as per legal rights, but emphasized that the tickets were considered a gift. He stated that any legal action will be pursued through proper channels, ensuring fairness for both parties involved.
Aunt Samlee, a close friend of Grandma Lae, corroborated her version of events, asserting that Captain Khem willingly gave the ticket to Grandma Lae, and both had joked about sharing the wealth if they won. Contrarily, Pol. Lt. Petchwichai, a junior colleague of Captain Khem, described the situation as perplexing, stating that Captain Khem had clearly instructed Grandma Lae to return half of the winnings if they hit the jackpot.
The incident has captured widespread attention, with the community eagerly awaiting the outcome of this unusual legal dispute over the multimillion-baht lottery win.