 |
Facts
About Thailand |
National
Flag
|
The
White Elephant
|
|
Since the time of King Ramkhamhaeng in the 13th
century, the white elephant has been given great
prestige in Thailand and adopted as the emblem
of the absolute monarchy.
Although
not actually fully albino, an elephant must have
eyes, palate, nails, tail hair, skin, hairs and
testicles 'close to white' to qualify as a white
elephant.
A
law passed in 1921 stated that all white elephants
automatically belong to the King, and therefore
cannot be bought, sold or used commercially.
The
term 'white elephant' subsequently caught on in
the West as 'a possession that is useless and
often expensive to maintain'. The law still holds
today.
The
white elephant on a red background was the Siamese
flag until the early 20th century, but the flags
were generally of poor quality and the design
non-standardized. Some foreign dignatories even
mistook the elephant for a pig.
King Vajiravudh introduced the present-day red,
white and blue flag in 1917, inspired by the multi-colored
striped flags of other nations.
|
|
First
hoisted on September 28, 1917, Thailand's national flag, ceremoniously
raised and lowered each morning and evening in towns and villages
throughout the Kingdom, has five horizontal bands of blue,
white and red. The inner wide blue band represents the monarchy.
The white bands symbolize Buddhism and the outer red bands
the people or the nation. The harmony of the three elements
in the "thong trai rong" represents the essence
of the Thai nation.
National
Symbol
 The
Thai national and royal symbol is the Garuda, a half-bird,
half-human figure that in Hindu mythology is the steed of
the god Vishnu. The Garuda (pronounced 'kruth' in Thai) adorns
the scepter and royal standard of His Majesty the King, and
is incorporated into the insignia of many government departments.
The Garuda is also used as the 'By Royal Appointment' symbol,
which is awarded to certain companies that have rendered outstanding
economic and charitable service to the country, at the discretion
of the King. The award is only rarely bestowed.
National
Anthem
The
national anthem is played on all ceremonial occasions, before
performances (such as at the cinema) and while the Thai flag
is being raised and lowered each day at 8.00 am and 6.00 pm
every day. At these times, it is accepted behavior to stop
whatever you are doing and stand to attention.
The
music to the national anthem was composed by Professor Phra
Jenduriyang in 1932 (the year the Constitutional Monarchy
was adopted), while the lyrics presently used were written
in 1939 by Colonel Luang Saranuprabhandh. The lyrics are as
follows (literally translated):
Thailand
is the unity of Thai blood and body.
The whole country belongs to the Thai people, maintaining
thus far for the Thai.
All Thais intend to unite together.
Thais love peace, but do not fear to fight.
They will never let anyone threaten their independence.
They will sacrifice every drop of their blood to contribute
to the nation, will serve their country with pride and
prestige - full of victory. Chai Yo. |
National
Day
 December
5, the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is
regarded as Thailand's National Day and is a public holiday.
In Bangkok, the area around Sanam Luang is closed to traffic
and turns into a huge festival, with food and drinks stalls,
and thousands of celebrants jamming the streets. Firework
displays are organized in many parts of Bangkok and nationwide.
Back to Top
|
|
