Crowds of lottery hopefuls did just that yesterday as they arrived at the Chaophor Khao Chang shrine in the province's Sattahip district to examine the large stump for hints of winning digits.

A female worshipper identified only as Euy said a local was told in a dream that the stump's spirit journeyed from the Prachin Buri River to the Bang Pakong River then into the sea. Eventually the stump came ashore in Laem Kham.

Famous spirit

Hearing of the dream, locals decided to transport the stump to its present position at the Chaophor Khao Chang shrine. Since then, worshippers have regularly reported being given winning lottery numbers. A Royal Thai Navy officer, Captain Preedasak Boonsriwong, won 10 times in a row after visiting the shrine, said Eu.

Certain bookies are reluctant to take any bets if the customer mentions he has visited the Thakhienthong stump, she added.

The numbers revealed by the spirit for the next draw? Locals agree it's 99. Bookies have refused to take bets and government lottery tickets with those digits have sold out, said Eu.

--The Nation/ANN