THAILAND
NATIONAL UNIQUENESSES |
National
Flag: The
Flag of the Kingdom of Siam was created during the reign of King Rama
II and flew on all Siamese sea-going vessels. The Symbol of a white
elephant on a red background was chosen because whites are considered
very auspicious
by Thais.King
Rama II was known as the “White Elephant King” as he had three of these
noble animals in his possession during his reign. The five horizontal
stripes of three colours: Red, White, and Blue have very significant
meanings.
Red signifies the life-blood of Thai
people. The White stripe symbolizes
the purity of Buddhism, the national religion. And the dominant
Blue stripe means the Thai King, the monarchy and the important part
its plays in the daily life of Thais. The
present national Thai flag, the “Tri-Rong” or three sacred colours, was
designed by King Rama VI and first used on September 28, 1917. The flag
is raised daily at 8.00 a.m. and pulled down at 6.00 p.m. flying all
official buildings, public places, large private enterprises and every
learning academy. The flag is also flown nationwide on national
holidays.
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Thai National and Royal
Symbols is the GARUDA: a mythical half-bird
and human figure (steed of the Hindu god Vishnu) that adorns King
Bhumibol Adulyadej's sceptre and royal standard. Many ministries and
departments have incorporated the GARUDA into their insignias.
Moreover, the GARUDA is signification of being "By Royal Appointment"
and is awarded, at the personal discretion of H. M. the King, as a sign
of royal approval to companies that have rendered outstanding economic
and charitable services to Thailand. Such an award is rarely bestowed
and considered a great honour.
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Thai
National Flower
"Ratchapruek"
or (golden shower): Ratchapruek (Thais are called Ton
Koon or Dok Koon) is chosen as national flower because it is widely
known to people and possible to plant anywhere around the Kingdom. It
bears beautiful cluster-shaped flowers in summer. The colour of it is
shining yellow, and this colour is Buddhism which is national religion
as well as colour of Monday when His Majesty the King of Thai Kingdom
was born.
Thai
National
Animal
"Chang Thai" (or Thai Elephants): Chang Thai is selected
as national animal because it has maintained close link with Thai
history and custom, it has a long life and it is closely related to the
livelihood of Thai people as one of transportation meaning both in time
of peace and battles. Especially, "White Elephant" is deeply connected
to King of Thailand, and it is portrayed in the former national Flag.
Thai National Dresses
"Thai Dresses" (or Chud Thai):
When H.M. Queen Sirikit accompanied by the King Bhumibhol Adolyadej
(Rama IX) in state visits to Europe and the United States in 1960, H.
M. noted that there was a need for a modern national costume suitable
for formal wear. The queen had researched and conducted data from
historical records of royal dresses, and eight official designs were
developed and promoted by the queen herself and her aides.
Thai
National
Architecture "Sala Thai" (or
Thai-Style arbor): Sala Thai reflects knowledge of Thai
people. It retains beauty, which is different from style of other
regions. Visitors can learn "Thai-ness" through Sala Thai.
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