Have you ever received a text from a Thai friend containing the sequence “555” and wondered what it means and if they are just randomly typing numbers out of frustration?
Well, you might be surprised to know there is a cultural significance behind this sequence of numbers in Thailand, so let’s take a closer look.
What does 555 mean?
A Thai person or someone familiar with Thai culture will use “555” on instant messaging platforms to represent laughter or amusement. The equivalent in the west or when using English in digital communication is “Hahaha” or “lol”.
If they find something hilarious they might add additional 5s or 555+ (add a plus sign) with the English equivalent being “hahahahaha” or “ROFL”.
So next time you get a 555 text message from your Thai friend you’ll know they’re showing their amusement.
What are the origins of 555?
To understand the origin, you need to understand numbers in Thai.
| Number | Thai |
|---|---|
| 0 | ศูนย์ (sǔun) |
| 1 | หนึ่ง (nùeng) |
| 2 | สอง (sǎawng) |
| 3 | สาม (sǎam) |
| 4 | สี่ (sìi) |
| 5 | ห้า (hâa) ← pronounced “ha” |
The number 5 (hâa/ห้า) in Thai is pronounced as “Ha”, and sounds like laughter, making it a natural choice for expressing amusement in digital communication.
Why not “ห้า ห้า ห้า” (555)? It’s shorter, faster, and easier to type numbers than Thai, similar to how people from the west type “lol” instead of “laugh out loud”.
Learn more Thai numbers on my Thai language survival guide.
Example usages of 555
Usages on Instant messaging platforms (LINE, Facebook Messages, WhatsApp etc):
555 = “haha” or lol (funny) 😀
55555 = “hahahahaha” (really funny) 😀 😀
55555+ = “ROFL” (extremely funny use of the plus sign to indicate additional 5s) 😀 😀 😀 😀
Other uses of 555 in Thai culture
Thai marketing companies commonly use 555 in marketing campaigns to draw attention, for instance, the price of a product being set to 555 THB or the promotional period on the 5th day in May (5.5).
The usage of 555 has become so common in Thailand’s younger generation that it’s used in Thai movies, dramas, talk shows, and social media.
Vehicle number plates or phone numbers are more expensive if they include the 555 sequences of numbers.
Tourists and ex-pats use of 555
Traveling to Thailand or living there as an expect? Even if you’re not fluent in Thai you can use “555” when instant messaging a Thai friend or tour guide through LINE or WhatsApp. You might even impress them with your knowledge of Thai culture.
Just be aware that this is not used in vocal conversation and is reserved for digital communication only.
Insider tip:
- LINE is the most popular instant chat platform in Thailand
Summary
Thailand is the land of 555 (smiles), a sequence of numbers used to express laughter on online platforms and instant messaging. The origins of its usage stem from how the number 5 (hâa) is pronounced in Thai.
Next time you are giggling with a Thai friend online, send them a “555” to know your knowledge of the digital culture.
Travel toolkit – helpful travel tools
Compare Hotels
Agoda or Booking.com
Discover Activities
Klook
To be transparent, booking through the links above will earn me a small commission at no extra to you. This helps me run the blog and keep the content up-to-date.
Learn more by checking out the affiliate disclaimer.
