Thong Vannarath is seen holding a California Lottery check for $1 million. (Credit: California Lottery)
An Orange County truck driver who went out for a haircut returned home $1 million richer after buying a soda and a Scratchers ticket at a Santa Ana gas station, lottery officials said Wednesday.
Thong Vannarath, 46, walked into the USA Gasoline station at 2730 W. McFadden Ave. (map) on Monday after being unable to get a haircut at a shop nearby, a news release from the California Lottery stated.
“I went to get a haircut, but I believe they were on a break. I had nothing to do so I stopped by the gas station to buy a soda and grab my Scratchers ticket,” Vannarath said.
Thong Vannarath’s lottery ticket is seen in this image provided by the California Lottery.
Vannarath, who said the most he’s won in the past playing Lottery games was $500, bought a Million $$ Match ticket for $20.
After scratching off 20 of the 25 numbers with no luck, Vannarath admitted he wasn’t very confident about his chances to win anything.
“When I got to my last (line on the ticket) I thought, ‘Eh, I’m not going to win.’ But then when I saw the number 12 (and the $1,000,000), I almost (wet) my pants! It’s a God’s gift. I don’t know what to say!” Vannarath said.
Vannarath, a truck driver from Orange County, said he couldn’t contain his excitement as he drove home with his ticket.
“They probably looked at me on the street and thought I was crazy. I was acting very excited because my dream has come true,” Vannarath said.
Vannarath plans to use the money to buy a house and then surprise his family if he can keep his win a secret long enough, the news release stated.
The store where Vannarath purchased the ticket also received a $5,000 retailer bonus, according to the California Lottery.
