The flag of Thailand, also known as the “Thong Trairong” (ธงไตรรงค์), which means tricolour flag is one of the most recognizable national flags in Asia. With its five stripes in red, white, and blue, it can be seen everywhere in the country – from schools and temples to boats and private homes.
But what does the Thai flag mean, how did these colors come about, and why does it look the way it does today?
The History of the Thai Flag
In the 17th century, Siam (the former name of Thailand) first used a flag at sea: a plain red cloth. It was intended to identify Thai ships on international trade routes.
Since other countries also used simple red banners, King Narai (1656–1688) introduced an additional symbol: a white chakra circle (the Wheel of Dharma in Buddhism) on a red background.
The Era of the White Elephant
Under King Rama II, the white elephant on a red background was introduced. The elephant was regarded as a sacred symbol of power, prosperity, and good fortune, and for a long time it stood at the center of the national flag. The white elephant was (and still is) considered a holy animal, a symbol of royal authority, and a bringer of luck. The more white elephants a king possessed, the greater his legitimacy was perceived to be.
When Siam came into closer contact with the West in the 19th century, the elephant flag became internationally recognized. It adorned not only ships but also Thai diplomatic missions in Europe. However, with the growth of global trade and international conflicts, it became clear that the flag was no longer up to date.
This elephant flag remained the official national flag until the early 20th century.
The transition to red, white, and blue
The decisive change came during the reign of King Rama VI (1910–1925). According to tradition, the king once noticed the elephant flag hanging upside down during a flood. This incident inspired him to design a symmetrical flag that would appear correct no matter which way it was viewed.
On September 28, 1917, the current flag – the Trairanga – was officially adopted.
Meaning of the Colors of the Thai Flag
The three colors of the Thai national flag carry deep symbolic meaning and represent the core pillars of the nation:
Red: The land and the blood shed for its independence
White: Buddhism, the dominant religion of Thailand
Blue: The monarchy as the heart of the nation
The blue in the middle stripe, in particular, was deliberately chosen. During World War I, Thailand wanted to show solidarity with the Allies, whose flags also contained blue (e.g., France, Great Britain, USA).
Why is the Thai flag so important?
The flag symbolizes the three pillars that shape Thai identity: nation, religion, and monarchy. For this reason, it can be seen everywhere – at schools, government buildings, temples, bridges, boats, and even in front of many private homes.
For the Thai people, the flag is not only a sign of national pride but also an expression of respect for their history and culture.
National pride and daily rituals
At 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., the Thai national anthem (Phleng Chat Thai) is played across the country. It is broadcast over public loudspeakers as well as on radio and television. At that moment, people pause whatever they are doing and stand still respectfully until the anthem has finished. Foreigners are also expected to show respect during this ritual.
Thailand’s National Anthem – Composed by a German
Phra Chenduriyang was born on July 13, 1883, in Bangkok. His original name was Peter Veit, as his father came from Trier, Germany. He was a versatile musician, composer, conductor, teacher, and collector of Thai music.
His greatest work is the Thai national anthem Phleng Chat, which he composed in 1932. Since then, it has been played daily across the country and has become a powerful symbol of national identity for the Thai people. Phra Chenduriyang passed away on December 25, 1968, in Bangkok, but his melody lives on to this day.
Royal Anthem and National Anthem – Two Hymns, Different Meanings
In Thai cinemas, the Royal Anthem (Phleng Sansoen Phra Barami) is played before every film screening. This tradition serves as a sign of respect for the monarchy. The audience is expected to stand during the anthem. While standing is not a legal obligation, remaining seated may be considered disrespectful and has, in the past, even led to legal consequences.
The anthem is accompanied by images of the King and his family, symbolizing the nation’s deep bond with the monarchy. This practice is deeply rooted in Thai culture and reflects the important role of the monarchy in public life.
Conclusion: Thailand’s flag is more than just a symbol
The Trairanga is far more than just a combination of colors – it is an expression of Thai identity. It tells the story of the nation, its religion, the love for the monarchy, and the deep bond with its people.
Anyone traveling to Thailand will encounter the flag at every turn – and within it, discover a piece of the country’s soul.