Thailand .th

Meaning of the Flag

The flag of Thailand (Thai: ธงไตรรงค์; RTGS: thong trai rong, meaning 'tricolour flag') consists of five horizontal stripes of red, white, blue, white and red, with the central blue stripe being twice as wide as each of the other four. The design was adopted on 28 September 1917, according to the royal decree issued by Rama VI. The colours are said to stand for nation-religion-king, an unofficial motto of Thailand, red for the land and people, white for religions and blue for the monarchy, the last having been the auspicious colour of Rama VI.

Meaning of Flag Colors

Red, Blue, White

Flag History

1. 1656–1688
   The first flag used for Siam was probably a plain red one, first used under Narai (1656–1688).
2. 1855
   

   Officially the first flag was created in 1855 by Mongkut (Rama IV), showing a white elephant on red ground, as the plain coloured flag was not distinct enough for international relations.
3. 1916
   

   In 1916 the flag was changed to show a white elephant in royal regalia.
4. 1782
   

   Flag in use 1782.
5. 1817
   

   Flag in use 1817.
6. 1917–present
   

   Current national flag, in use since 1917.

Location