Thailand is looking into the possibility of an AEC lottery to aid in the relief of disaster ravaged member countries, according to local sources.

Similar to those in western countries the regional lottery would have jackpot prizes, and according to Apirat Kongsompong, chairman of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) board, all Asean Economic Community member countries would sell the tickets. The Lottery chairman said, “We will explore the types of lotteries currently sold in Asean and the possibility of cooperating with our neighbours to launch a regional lottery like in Europe,” adding, “The proceeds may be used to help member countries when disasters strike,” according to the Bangkok Post.

New products, especially online lottery, which would require amendments to current law, will also be prepared by the GLO. Change to its 1974 law are being considered by the office so that it would be in accordance with the order issued by the junta’s chief, under the 2014 Section 44 interim charter, to solve the overpriced lottery issue. Possible changes include, additional discounts for vendors, overpricing penalties and revamping the proportion of revenue contributions to state coffers, said Kongsompong. Another provision would be added that would penalize middlemen who have manipulated prices. Punishment for such would likely be the same maximum punishment that sellers face, a fine not to exceed 10,000 baht and one year in jail. Middlemen face no punishment for the offense under the existing law.

According to Kongsompong, the amendments are slated for consideration by the cabinet over the next two-to-three months. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN, now includes 10 Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.