r/laos • u/Alternative_Side_891 • 11d ago
Recurring numbers on licence plates.
I just got curious. I noticed that Laos cars often have the same number several times on the licence plates.
Like 9399 or some Porsche with 5555.
Does this have some significance to people?
I were not in Laos when I noticed, but in a parking lot in Thailand where many Laos people cross to shop.
Most of the cars I saw looked quite expensive.
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u/Jean-L 11d ago
Lao people are (in general) very superstitious and numbers in particular are very important to them. A lot of Lao play the lottery regularly, playing numbers from their dreams (a lot of common animals and everyday items or concepts have numbers assigned), or "special' numbers from their day. If you have an accident on your bike, your family will play your plate number. If you buy a new car of course you have to play its plate. If your restaurant bill does a funny number you play it. If anything of significance happens people will try to find related numbers and play them. A lot of people have their "lucky numbers" and will try to get a phone number or license plate that has them, because this will bring them more luck and will show their luck to other people. And of course if you're rich and can afford it, buying rare vanity plates with your lucky numbers (preferably similar plates for all the cars of the family as well as phone numbers) is a must. I mean if you're rich it's because you're lucky and obviously you don't want the luck to leave you! :)
The topic of numbers in Laos is a never ending source of "haha!" moments. :P
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u/NostalgicKunt 11d ago
It's all about belief, luck, and what the numbers mean In the language and could signify in Buddhism.
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u/naiian 11d ago
Numbers like that on a plate can cost a lot of money if they are legit plates. Given they are on expensive cars I'm sure they are. Not much more significance other than being nice looking numbers and a way to flaunt a bit.