Out of 57.9 million people, a whopping 48.8 per cent bought lottery tickets. In addition, another 39.8 per cent, or about 12 million Thais, bought into the underground lottery. The lottery-addicted demographic group of people is aged 25-44 - the working population.

Prior to the introduction of the state-run two- and three-digit lotteries, a total of Bt11.785 billion was circulated in the underground market each time the announcement was made, a nice bit of change that came to Bt282.84 billion a year.

After the state got into the lottery business, that figure dropped to Bt5.78 billion after each announcement, or only Bt138.715 billion.

No wonder the Finance Ministry found it hard to let go of the two- and three-digit lotteries. Admit it, the lottery is a hard habit to break.

Spreading the philosophy

Even though the Bank of Thailand (BOT) lost some cash from its intervening to weaken the baht, the central bank didn't forget to set aside Bt64 million to give books and book shelves to schools.

This year, the central bank has joined hands with 19 commercial banks to deliver books to 1,289 schools. Some books are about the sufficiency-economy philosophy, to make young students understand the concept from an early age. Otherwise, they might face problems like many adults these days who still can't grasp the concept and tend to translate it as frugality - which is wrong!

The BOT will also provide economic training to teachers in the North, Northeast and South from next month to May. Guess what will be taught in the first training class?

We suggest the central bank's instructors ask the teachers what should be an appropriate level for the baht.

jeerawat@nationgroup.com