Illegal Lottery :Income Security in Thailand

Abstract

This qualitative research uses research methodology which including documentary research and in-depth interviews with key informants representing 4 groups: government officers, Illegal business andLottery business in Nakhonratchasima and Loei Province also academicians. The research aims to investigate the space and existence of the illegal lottery in Thai society and concentrate to study on discursive practices of gambling had driven Illegal lottery in Thai society.

The result of this research is separated into two categories, First : the space and the existence of Illegal lottery business in Thai society shown that Illegal lottery identity change from illegal gambling to new space in several contexts. 1) Economic context : One option is to eliminate economic problems. 2) Social context : As a matter of luck, as a recreation activity with reproducing transmitted from generation to generation. 3) Political context : They have business relationships through Illegal lottery. Patronage reduces the disparity of different professionals to become political network.

Second:Discursive practices of gambling had driven Illegal lottery in Thai society. 1) Discursive practices of the image of truth causing link for dominant discourse namely Government Lottery and subdominant discourse namely Illegal lottery. 2) Critical discourse analysis shows the relationship between the concept of discourse, power, violence and semiology that cause image of truth sets of binary opposition thru signifier “Government” and “Illegal” that led to a completely binary opposition.

Key Words :Illegal  Lottery, Discourse, Thai Society