Sukhothai Police Chief confirms they are not following public pressure in the case; current evidence still points to "Mr. Det" acting alone. Meanwhile, "Aunt Sa-yan" has a chance to receive the 6 million baht prize if she can prove ownership of the lottery ticket, though it may require some time.
On 12 June 2026, regarding the 6 million baht lottery confusion in Sukhothai province, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sathaporn Sriphirom, Commander of the Sukhothai Provincial Police, revealed updates on the case of the first prize lottery ticket claimed by "Aunt Sa-yan," also known as "Aunt Khayan." After police interrogated "Mr. Det" for over two hours, he confessed to burning the lottery ticket to cover up his own wrongdoing.
Concerning public suspicion about whether Mr. Det’s wife was involved or aware of the offense, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sathaporn stated that everything must be based on evidence and facts. If any evidence links another person, legal action will be pursued. However, current evidence confirms only one offender: "Mr. Det."
Initially, "Mr. Det" has been charged with "theft by deception." Today, investigators will continue questioning him before deciding whether to detain him today or postpone the detention to tomorrow.
Regarding confirming ownership of the first prize lottery ticket, which police affirm belongs to Aunt Sa-yan, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sathaporn explained that legal study suggests at least two possible approaches. The first is Aunt Sa-yan filing a petition to the court to order the Government Lottery Office to pay the prize, possibly through a lawyer. However, since Aunt Sa-yan is impoverished, legal aid agencies are assisting her through the proper legal procedures.
The second approach is for government agencies to coordinate with the Government Lottery Office using police evidence after clear proof confirms Aunt Sa-yan’s ownership of the lottery ticket. Such proof will carry significant weight in the Lottery Office’s decision-making process.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sathaporn also mentioned that, according to Supreme Court rulings he has studied, if ownership of a lost lottery ticket can be proven, there is still a chance to receive the prize money under the law. Ultimately, it depends on how the Government Lottery Office acts within the legal framework. He believes the prize money will not be lost, although the process may take some time.
Meanwhile, lawyer Kerdpol Kaewkerd posted on Facebook about court decisions relevant to this case, noting several points. These include that a defendant who steals a Government Lottery ticket that has won a prize from the victim is guilty of theft under Section 334 and must repay the victim the amount of the prize. Supreme Court rulings 772/1977 and 2578/1987 clarify that although the back of the ticket states the prize is paid to the bearer, this is to prevent fraud and to ensure payment to the rightful owner only. It is not a reason to deny payment to a winner who lost the ticket. Even without the original ticket because it was destroyed, Aunt Khayan can still receive the prize, and the Lottery Office has no right to refuse payment (Supreme Court ruling 2578/1987).