RATCHABURI - Don't underestimate the power of a broken jar.
A damaged jug left on a roadside in Photharam district in this central province has drawn villagers who are paying respect and praying for good luck.
It became the talk of tambon Khao Changum and neighbouring areas about three years ago when a rumour spread that a road worker sleeping near the jar dreamed that a woman gave him a lucky number, said Thongkham Chan-in, a villager in the area.
Since then, fortune seekers flocked to the place, especially in the days before a lottery draw, with some bringing small jars of their own to show respect after their dream was fulfilled, the 65-year-old man added.
Probably the most famous broken jar in town belonged to Phien Phuchuayniem, who said she decided to leave the water container behind after she moved to a new place. The jar became useless for holding liquids after it was damaged by stones thrown by someone, she said.
She said her mother, Tueam Khongpho, bought it in 1990 for about 1,000 baht.
Many Thais are obsessed with superstitious beliefs and will pray to any object for lottery numbers if they think they will bring luck.
The Anti-Gambling Network has campaigned relentlessly for an end to all types of betting, from lotteries to football, under the slogan that gambling creates more pain than gain.
It posts a hotline number -- 1323 -- on its website for those who want to kick the habit.
Activists have called for the Government Lottery Office to follow cigarette warnings by putting messages on the ticket to warn buyers of the dangers of gambling.