Ex-homeless man, 68, wins S$730,042 lottery, relatives from all over Thailand come visit him

A Thai man who was previously homeless turned his life around after winning a lottery ticket worth 18 million baht (S$730,042).

Thaiger reported that the man, Suthon, hit the jackpot on Dec. 1, 2025, with three first-prize government lottery tickets, number 641252.

Previously homeless

Prior to his win, Suthon, 68, lived alone in northern Thailand's Chiang Mai.

Suthon, also known as "Uncle Jae", lived in a rented flat, paying 1,500 baht (S$60.85) per month.

Khaosod Online reported that he earned 350 baht (S$14.20) a day as a general labourer.

Relatives visited

Upon receiving the news of his win, Uncle Jae's relatives flocked to visit him.

Many offered to take him in and care for him, but could not agree on where he should go.

In addition, bank staff from two different institutions showed up at Uncle Jae's home and urged him to deposit the winnings with their banks.

His relatives disagreed on which bank to trust, but eventually took him to a bank in downtown Lamphun.

Future plans

Thaiger reported that the Chiang Mai social welfare office had earlier approved a 40,000 baht (S$1,622) budget to build a small house for Uncle Jae.

However, officials decided to reallocate the funds to help others in greater need.

The landlord also offered to sell the property where Uncle Jae now lives for just over 2 million baht (S$81,128).

He recommended the purchase as a stable long-term investment that could generate rental income.

Top photos via Thaiger, Khaosod Online