02.00pm คือ: Understanding Time in Thailand
When traveling or living in Thailand, you may have come across the notation "02.00pm คือ" on signs, buses, or even on your phone. But what does it mean?
The Meaning of คือ (Kue)
In Thai, "คือ" (kue) is a particle that is used to indicate "that is" or "which is". It's often used to introduce a definition or explanation. In the context of time, "คือ" is used to clarify the meaning of the time notation.
Understanding 02.00pm
In Thailand, the 24-hour clock is widely used, especially in formal or official contexts. The notation "02.00pm" may seem confusing, but it's actually a shorthand way of writing 2:00 pm in the 24-hour clock system.
In this notation, "02" represents the hour (2 o'clock), and "00" represents the minutes (zero minutes). The "pm" suffix is often omitted in Thai notation, but it's implied to mean "afternoon" or "pm".
Why Use คือ in Time Notation?
So, why is "คือ" used in time notation? It's to clarify that the time is in the afternoon, rather than the morning. Without "คือ", the notation "02.00" could be ambiguous, as it's not clear whether it's morning or afternoon.
By adding "คือ", it's explicitly stated that the time is in the afternoon, equivalent to 2:00 pm. This notation is commonly used on signs, schedules, and even in digital displays.
Conclusion
In Thailand, the notation "02.00pm คือ" is a shorthand way of writing 2:00 pm in the 24-hour clock system, with "คือ" clarifying that the time is in the afternoon. Understanding this notation can help you navigate schedules and timetables more easily during your stay in Thailand.
