The Huey Lottery had its origin in China, and was introduced into Siam under the following circumstances : — In the Third Reign, in the year of the Rabbit BE 2374 (AD 1831), the rainfall was very large ; but in the year following the amount of rain was small and rice was very dear and so scarce that it had to be imported into Siam. Many had no money wherewith to buy food and in consequence had to work and receive rice as wages : even the tax-farmers had no cash and were obliged to pay in merchandise, and the Chinese being unable to pay their poll-tax had to work in the city. At last the King cogitated that although much money had been coined, it had apparently all disappeared : he suspected that the populace had been attempting a corner in opium, and so he ordered that much opium should be seized and burnt; but still the coin remained in obscurity. One day the Spirit Farmer, Chesua Hong remarked to the King that the populace had buried the money, but that if a lottery were started he was sure that they would dig it up again. Hence, the King was pleased to tell Chin Hong to start one, and it is on record that Chesua Hong actually started the Huey Lottery in Siam in the Third Reign, Year of the Horse BE 2378 (AD 1835).
The Lottery House was originally situated at Sapan Han, but was soon moved to a site near the Burapha Palace. It was burnt down in the year B. E 2415, after which it was opened again near Pratu Samyot, where it remained until the lottery was abolished.
No | Siamese | Profession | Name | Animal |
1 | ก. | Uperat | Sam Huey | Gibbon |
2 | ข. | Officer | Ngouey Poh | Tortoise |
3 | ฃ. | Nobleman | Tjian Kouey | Fish |
4 | ค. | Two Market-women | Hatang | Oyster |
5 | ฅ. | Governor's wife | Meng Tjiu | Flat fish |
6 | ฆ. | Luang Chin | Yit Sua | Cock |
7 | ง. | Robber officer | Tjikou | Lion |
8 | จ. | Nun | An sü | Wild cat |
9 | ฉ. | Pork-butcher | Tjitit | Striped Cat |
10 | ช. | Populace | Hoksun | Dog |
11 | ซ. | Beggar | Chenguan | Chicken |
12 | ฌ. | Nobleman | Huey kua | Pheasant |
13 | ญ. | Governor's servant | Yongseng | Goose |
14 | ด. | Councillor | Kwang meng | Horse |
15 | ต. | Ferryman | Pit tit (rua chang) | Pig |
16 | ถ. | Nobleman | Phan kui | Conch-shell |
17 | ท. | Beautiful girl | Sieng Tjio | Edible nest swallow |
18 | ธ. | Governor | Tai peng | Dragon |
19 | น. | Luang Chin | Thien sin | Crab |
20 | บ. | Luang Chin | Tjeli | Turtle |
21 | ป. | Populace | Kangsü | Snake |
22 | ผ. | Fisherman | Iuli | Hawk |
23 | ฝ. | Beggar | Nguan kui | Shrimp |
24 | พ. | Beggar | Kitpin | Sheep |
25 | ฟ. | Governor's son-in-law | Khaokua | Crow |
26 | ภ. | Robber General | Khunsua | Tiger |
27 | ม. | Military Mandarin | Hanhun | Buffalo |
28 | ย. | Nobleman | Yong Chun | Peacock |
29 | ร. | Governor's sister | Kin Ngek | Butterfly |
30 | ล. | Luang Chin | Thien Lieng | Eel |
31 | ว. | Luang Chin | Che hun | Heron |
32 | ส. | Noble man | Ah Hai | Frog |
33 | ห. | Charcoal seller | Bong lim | Bee |
34 | ฬ. | Beggar | Nguan kit | Gazelle |
35 | อ. | School boy | Buam kim | earth-snake |
36 | ฮ. | Military mandarin who guards frontier | Chia sun | Wild Boar |