Social Inclusion and Government Lottery-Funded Retirement Schemes: Implications for Social Justice and Well-Being in Thailand?
Keywords:
Government lottery, retirement schemes, decision-making, purchasing behavior, elder welfareAbstract
This research examines the impact of government lottery-funded retirement schemes on social justice and well-being in the Kalasin Province, Thailand, by investigating citizens' purchasing behaviors regarding lottery tickets for retirement benefits. This study aims to answer the following research question: How do gambling, buyers’ behavior, and decision-making factors relate to each other? As the new pilot pension scheme has not been implemented yet, this study focuses on lottery purchasing behavior as the baseline for the feasibility study of the new policy. Employing a mixed-method approach, we analyzed data from 400 quantitative participants through structured questionnaires and conducted 10 qualitative interviews using thematic analysis. Our findings reveal a notable incongruity: while quantitative data indicate a decline in ticket purchases, qualitative insights demonstrate consistent buying patterns, influenced by personal beliefs, familial obligations, and welfare considerations. The study identifies key factors such as fairness of the policy, perceived investment value, and potential interest returns as significant influences on purchasing decisions. These findings underscore the importance of refining the policy framework to enhance its contributions to social justice and well-being. Recommendations include diversifying marketing strategies, implementing affordable ticket pricing, and ensuring clear information dissemination. Future research endeavors may expand upon this analysis or explore alternative retirement funding models, thereby offering additional insights for social welfare policy reforms.
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