Numerology is very important in Thai culture. The number nine is an auspicious number because there are many nines in royal and religious heritage. The Thai digit for nine is similar to a symbol seen on the Buddha’s forehead. A 100 Baht banknote ending with a nine in the serial number could be saved for good luck or its value might inflate to 200 Baht. When the MRT (the underground) opened, the first 99,999 customers received gifts. The word for nine (gao or gow as I’d write it phonetically) sounds similar to the Thai word for ‘progress.’
Thailand is Celebrating 09/09/09 by Paying Homage to King Bhumipol Adululjadej, Thailand's Beloved King
As people all over the world celebrate 09/09/09 today, Thais spent the day paying respect to the King of Thailand, King Bhumiphol Adulyadej. King Bhumiphol Adulyadej, who will be 82 years old in December, is the world's longest reigning monarch. He's also the ninth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, auspicious for Thai people, so because of this, it's also why so many Thais were out in force on 09/09/09 to show how much they love their king. All over Thailand, Thais went to temples, to office buildings, to parks, and even to small roadside shrines in many different parts of the country to make merit and pray for their king.
The number '9' is also thought to be lucky in Thai culture, so Thai people think the day 09/09/09 will be an extremely lucky day for Thais and Thailand, but especially for their king. That is why it was important for Thais to use the day to pay respect to the king and to pray he will reign forever.
Sawuddee ka You know number 9 Thai culture very well. I'm glad with you are Australian. but know thai culture this much. You writing so better everything. We do events or activities Buddhism. Sirimongkol (Good)events. We set the number of items end with a number total 9 . On September 9, 2009, Thailand has organized events of The king and I go to events as well. No.9 on the forehead Buddha. Some people may wonder how the No.9 Thai writing (Picture).Very grateful that you write this article. สวัสดี คะ
