The flag of the Kingdom of Thailand is known to the Thai people as Thong Trairong which literally means “tricolour flag”. The current design was adopted on 28 September 1917 after a royal decree was issued by King Rama VI. This makes the Thai flag one of the world’s older flags.
The flag is made up of five horizontal stripes in the colours red, white, blue, white, and red. The central blue stripe is twice as wide as each of the other four. The flaghas a width-to-length ratio of 2:3.
The colours stand for nation-religion-king: red for the land and people, white for Theravada Buddhism (which is the main religion of Thailand), and blue for the monarchy. Blue is also Thailand’s national color. In addition, the blue honors Thailand’s World War I allies (Great Britain, France, the United States and Russia), who all had red, white and blue flags.
From the mid-19th century until 1916, Thailand, which was called Siam until 1939, used a red-based flag with a white elephant on it.
That flag was replaced in 1916 with a red-white-red-white-red horizontal striped flag which was modified in 1917, when the blue center replaced red.
Here are 10 more interesting facts about the history, meaning and symbolism of the Thai flag:
1. The first flag of Thailand
The first flag of Thailand was made and used when the country was known as Siam during the 17th century. The flag was plain red however, it was not strong enough to represent an international country. It was too simple. This flag was used on Siamese ships hence it’s name as the Royal Navy Flag.
2. A symbol was introduced onto the flag
In 1782, a wheel was put onto the flag for it to be recognised as Thailand’s flag. It was a symbol of the ruling dynasty. The white wheel was known as the white Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu. This symbol was used as the symbol of Chakri Dynasty. After some, time in 1817, an elephant was placed inside the chakra to symbolise their national animal.
3. First official flag of Thailand
In 1855, the first official flag of with a red background and a white elephant in the middle was created by King Mongkut (Rama IV). This was then considered the national animal of Thailand and the royal symbol. The strength and durability of elephants is celebrated by Thai people which why it was displayed on the flag. In Thailand, elephants are considered a symbol of fortune and luck.
4. Modification of the first official flag
Many changes were done to the first flag. Once the elephant was introduced in the flag, after some time the elephant was enlarged to make it stand out. The elephant was introduced in the flag only because other countries started displaying similar flags, which is why it became important to add a specific symbol to recognise the country by its flag.
5. Thailand’s current flag
The next flag came in place on the 28th of September 1917 and was decided by the king because during that time a large flood came which left the kings flag hanging upside down. This was when the king decided that a new flag is needed, one that would never hang upside down (as it is symmetrical). Thailand’s current flag is one of the world’s oldest flags which is still in current use.
6. Why did King Rama change the flag in 1917?
King Rama changed the flag into horizontal stripes of red, white, blue, white and red and removed the national symbol because it formed close relations with the West and became Allies in the World War 1. Thailand is one of the few countries that escaped from imperialism. The national flag of Thailand was changed to a more modern design by replacing the elephant with horizontal stripes.
7. What do the colours of Thailand represent?
The national colour of Thailand is blue, red represents the blood of the people and white represents purity and Buddhism which is the country’s religion. The colour red in the flag is in stripes to represent the people of Thailand’s blood spilled to maintain independence.
8. What does the design represent?
The design of the flag contains many colours which represent different things. Each colour has its own meaning. The design of the flag is five horizontal stripes where the blue (which is in the middle) is twice as wide as the red and white. The blue colour in the flag has a double meaning. It symbolises the Thai monarchy and it is there to honour the World War 1 allies (Great Britain, France, United States and Russia). All these countries have red, white and blue flags.
9. Symbolism of the flag
The flag of Thailand stands for nation, religion, and king.
10. Thailand’s national motto:
Thailand’s national motto is known as ‘Chat, Satsana, Phra Maha Kasat’. The English translation of this is ‘Nation, Religions, King’. Thai people put gret importance in their religion and beliefs; Theravada Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand. Tourists who visit Thailand are expected to respect and follow all rules and regulations.
In conclusion
The flag of Thailand is very important to the king and its people. No one is allowed to use it in a disrespectful way nor damaged it.
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