Bangkok: The chairman of the advisory board of the Thailand Association of the Blind led a team of visually impaired athletes to submit a letter of complaint to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, in his capacity as chairman of the lottery board. He demanded an investigation into lottery quotas and the fair allocation of rights, following the discovery that executives of some associations were sub-selling members’ lottery tickets to investors.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Somchai Panyakawong, Advisor to the Thailand Association of the Blind, led a team of visually impaired athletes to submit a letter to Mr. Laworn Sangsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Chairman of the Board of the Government Lottery Office, requesting an expedited investigation and resolution of the issue of lottery quota allocation for the disabled.
Mr. Somchai revealed that he has encountered a problem of sub-selling disabled people’s rights to investors. He also noted that several blind individuals whose names are included in various association quotas have not actually received their lottery tickets for sale. This is particularly the case for the “Thai National Blind Team,” a team of athletes who have brought fame to the nation, but whose rights have been revoked or their lottery tickets have not been allocated to their proper eligibility. This constitutes an unfair disregard for the rights of disabled individuals.
Previously, a group of more than 150 blind athletes and former Thai national team athletes submitted a letter to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) requesting an investigation into the allocation of lottery quotas by the Sports Association for the Blind of Thailand. The request stemmed from the discovery that the names of non-disabled individuals or actual members were being used to claim quotas on their behalf. Some were even paid just 500 baht to sign over the quota, before substituting the tickets for investors.
The Blind Sports Association receives a quota of more than 2,600 lottery tickets per draw, but none are allocated to actual national athletes. Several individuals have confirmed that they were denied quotas, despite being listed as legitimate members.
Mr. Somchai said that blind people nationwide hope the Ministry of Finance and the Government Lottery Office will expedite the review of quota allocations and restore rights to those affected by disabilities, particularly athletes who have brought fame to the nation, who should not be overlooked.
Previously, Mr. Lawaron Sangsanit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, stated in an interview that he would expedite the resolution of fair lottery allocation issues and investigate the sub-sale of disabled persons’ rights. The person submitting today’s letter hopes to see tangible progress soon.