Is today a big deal in Thailand? I know they like to start events on 9's (12:09 PM instead of 12:00 sharp, etc.), and I've heard that it has something to do with the fact that the number nine in Thai (เก้า "gao") sounds a bit like the word ก้าว "gaao", which means "to step" (as in to take a step forward, implying progress).

Is today a big deal in Thailand? I know they like to start events on 9's (12:09 PM instead of 12:00 sharp, etc.), and I've heard that it has something to do with the fact that the number nine in Thai (เก้า "gao") sounds a bit like the word ก้าว "gaao", which means "to step" (as in to take a step forward, implying progress).

Read an article in the news paper here today about the importance of the number.

But I think the 12:09 issue is just because they are late.

Read an article in the news paper here today about the importance of the number.

But I think the 12:09 issue is just because they are late.

While I can appreciate the humor in that interpretation, I have seen schedules for events (such as award ceremonies, seminars, etc.) where the various scheduled activities all start at 9 minutes after the hour. I asked about this, and I was told that it was something to do with 9 being a lucky number, because of its similarity to the word for "to step".

This was all word of mouth. I had never read anything definitive about it until today, when I found this article, with some searching. Here is an excerpt:

For Thais, the number nine is special in more ways than one. Not only is the Thai word for nine "gaew" - the same word as "step", signifying progress - but King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has overseen and championed so much of that progress, is the ninth King of the current dynasty.

The year in Thailand is not 2009 it's 2552 so it has no significance.

My gf wanted me to knock her up at xmas so she could have a 'lucky baby' on 9/9/09.

Didn't happen despite my efforts.

The year in Thailand is not 2009 it's 2552 so it has no significance.

And in 57 years it will be 09-09-09 again, i.e., 09=09-2609.

How many other calendars are in use? What is China's?

The year in Thailand is not 2009 it's 2552 so it has no significance.

This is not true (that it has no significance). You are being way too logical.

Dubai metro 'opened' 9 stations at 09:09.09AM on 09-09-09, sadly for technical reasons they were unable to run the 9 trains they wanted to

Dubai metro 'opened' 9 stations at 09:09.09AM on 09-09-09, sadly for technical reasons they were unable to run the 9 trains they wanted to