Flag of Thailand

The national flag of Thailand, affectionately known as Thong Trairong (Thai: ธงไตรรงค์), meaning "tricolor flag," is far more than a mere national emblem; it is a profound representation of the Kingdom's enduring values: Nation, Religion, and Monarchy. Officially adopted on September 28, 1917, the Thong Trairong stands as a vibrant testament to Thailand's rich history, cultural depth, and the resilience of its people.

Design and Dimensions

The Thai flag boasts a distinctive and easily recognizable design, characterized by five horizontal stripes. These stripes are arranged in a specific sequence from top to bottom: red, white, blue, white, and red. A key proportional element of the design is that the central blue stripe is precisely twice the width of each of the other four stripes. While specific "official" dimensions for general display are not rigidly enforced, the ratio of the flag's width to its length is typically 2:3. This standard proportion ensures visual harmony and consistency across various applications, from government buildings to private homes. The symmetrical nature of the design, a deliberate choice, ensures that the flag appears correctly regardless of how it is hoisted, preventing any accidental display of an "upside-down" flag.

Symbolism of the Colors

Each color within the Thong Trairong carries profound symbolic weight, reflecting the core tenets of Thai society:

• Red (สีแดง - Sī Daeng): The outermost red stripes embody the nation itself and the collective people of Thailand. This vibrant hue signifies the land, the strength, courage, and sacrifices made by generations of Thais to preserve their independence and sovereignty. It represents the very soil upon which the Kingdom was built and the resilience of its inhabitants.

• White (สีขาว - Sī Khao): The white stripes, positioned immediately inside the red, symbolize religion, specifically Theravada Buddhism. As the predominant faith in Thailand, Buddhism underpins the moral and ethical framework of the society. White represents purity, righteousness, spiritual guidance, and the unblemished ideals that inspire the Thai people. It reflects the deep-rooted spiritual values that permeate everyday life.

• Blue (สีน้ำเงิน - Sī Nam Ngoen): The central, widest blue stripe represents the monarchy and the revered King. The institution of the monarchy serves as a unifying force, a constant presence that transcends political changes and provides stability and continuity. This particular shade of dark blue held special significance for King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), who decreed its inclusion. It was considered his auspicious color, as he was born on a Saturday. Furthermore, the blue also served as a gesture of solidarity with the Allied Powers during World War I, many of whom, including Great Britain, France, and the United States, incorporated red, white, and blue into their national flags, signifying Thailand's alignment on the global stage.

A Journey Through History: Creation and Evolution

The history of the Thai flag is a fascinating chronicle of evolving national identity, predating the current "Thong Trairong" design.

• Early Flags (Pre-1855): The earliest recorded flags of Siam (Thailand's former name) were often simple red rectangular banners. These rudimentary designs served as basic identifiers. Over time, for better differentiation, particularly for royal and naval vessels, symbols began to be incorporated. Towards the end of the 18th century, a white chakra (a wheel, representing the ruling Chakri dynasty) was introduced onto the red field. Later, during the reign of King Rama II (1809-1824), a white elephant – a revered symbol of royal power, prosperity, and good fortune – was placed inside the chakra.

• The White Elephant Flag (1855-1916): A significant simplification occurred under King Mongkut (Rama IV, 1851-1868). He removed the chakra, featuring a larger, more prominent white elephant on a plain red background (ธงช้างเผือก - Thong Chang Puek). This "Red Flag with White Elephant" became the widely recognized national flag for over sixty years, a powerful visual representation of the Kingdom of Siam.

• Transition to the Tricolor (1916-1917): The impetus for the current design largely came from King Vajiravudh (Rama VI, 1910-1925). A popular anecdote suggests that after a severe flood, the King observed his existing white elephant flag being flown upside down, leading him to desire a more symmetrical design to prevent such errors. Consequently, in 1916, he introduced a new flag featuring five horizontal stripes of alternating red and white. This design marked a pivotal shift towards the modern pattern.

• Adoption of the Thong Trairong (September 28, 1917): The final and most significant change occurred on September 28, 1917. King Vajiravudh decreed that the central red stripe be replaced with dark blue. This change solidified the "Nation-Religion-King" symbolism and explicitly showcased Thailand's allegiance to the Allied powers during World War I. This date, September 28th, has since been officially recognized as National Flag Day in Thailand (ประกาศสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี เรื่อง กำหนดให้วันที่ 28 กันยายน ของทุกปี เป็นวันพระราชทานธงชาติไทย).

Significance for the Inhabitants

For the people of Thailand, the Thong Trairong is far more than just a piece of cloth; it is a profound and deeply cherished symbol of national identity, pride, and unity. It encapsulates the three core pillars that define Thai society and culture: the unwavering loyalty to the nation and its land, the deep spiritual devotion to Buddhism and its moral principles, and the profound respect and reverence for the monarchy as the enduring heart of the Kingdom. The flag serves as a constant visual reminder of their shared heritage, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their collective commitment to these fundamental values. Seeing the flag raised daily at sunrise and lowered at sunset across the country is a solemn ritual that reinforces these bonds.

Interesting Facts

• Symmetrical Design: One of the key features King Vajiravudh intentionally incorporated was the flag's symmetrical design. This means it appears the same regardless of which way it is flown, preventing any accidental display of an "upside-down" flag, which can be seen as disrespectful in many cultures.

• Unique Colors, Unique Arrangement: While several countries utilize red, white, and blue in their flags (e.g., the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Russia), the specific arrangement and proportions of the stripes on the Thai flag are distinctive, making it easily identifiable.

• Royal Standard: In addition to the national flag, Thailand also has a Royal Standard (ธงมหาราช - Thong Maharat), a yellow flag bearing the Garuda (ครุฑ - Krut), a mythical creature that is the national emblem of Thailand and symbolizes the King. This flag is flown to signify the presence of the monarch.

• Daily Ceremony: The hoisting and lowering of the national flag are daily public ceremonies performed with respect and precision at government buildings, schools, and many public spaces throughout Thailand. This ritual reinforces national pride and respect for the symbols of the Kingdom.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.