Thailand’s national flag has five horizontal bands in red, white, blue, white and red, with the central blue band twice the height of each outer stripe. It is known as the Thong Trairong, or “tricolour flag.”

What does the Thai flag look like?

The stripe proportions are 1:1:2:1:1. The dark blue centre is flanked by white and then red on both sides.

What do the colors mean?

Traditional explanations connect red with the nation and its people, white with religion, especially Buddhism, and blue with the monarchy. Together they reflect the long-standing Thai concept of nation, religion and king.

History of the flag

Earlier Siamese flags were red and often carried a white elephant. A red-and-white striped flag appeared in 1916, and King Vajiravudh added the blue centre stripe in 1917, creating the modern design.

Thailand flag facts

• Name: Thong Trairong
• Adopted: 1917
• Colors: red, white and blue
• Stripe ratio: 1:1:2:1:1