Thailand’s Retirement Lottery Considered a Global Savings Model
Thailand’s savings-linked lottery is drawing global interest. The World Bank is exploring how the initiative could help other ageing countries strengthen financial security in the absence of widespread pension coverage.
Thailand Pitches Lottery-Backed Savings at Global Level
Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul presented Thailand’s retirement lottery to World Bank leaders during meetings in Washington. The conversations focused on long-term welfare reform, especially in countries facing rapid ageing and limited pension infrastructure.
Thailand, ageing faster than the global average, still maintains sufficient fiscal space, according to early assessments by the World Bank.
Linking Prizes to Retirement Savings
The scheme runs under the National Savings Fund. Citizens aged 15 or older can buy digital scratch-off tickets for THB50 (about US$1.35), with a monthly purchase limit of THB3,000. Weekly draws offer cash prizes, but every ticket doubles as a savings deposit.
At age 60, participants receive their full contributions plus investment returns. While the program uses an annual budget of about THB750 million, it has already generated up to THB13 billion in savings each year.
Thailand designed the scheme to guide people away from informal gambling and toward formal financial habits. The World Bank noted that the model makes saving accessible, especially for people excluded from traditional systems.
Next Steps at Home and Abroad
Thailand’s Parliament passed the initiative in a first reading. A 31-member committee is reviewing the bill before final approval.
Ahead of the 2026 World Bank and IMF meetings in Bangkok, officials plan a deeper review of the scheme. The World Bank hopes to adapt the idea for use in countries with similar challenges.