Thailand Flag: Meaning, Colors, History & Facts
Thailand’s national flag, the Trairong, has five horizontal stripes in red, white and blue. The modern design dates to 1917 and its three colors have official meanings tied to nation, religion and monarchy.
What does the Thailand flag look like?
The flag has five horizontal stripes arranged red, white, blue, white, red. The central blue stripe is twice the height of each of the four outer stripes, creating a symmetrical design.
What do the colors mean?
Thailand’s government gives explicit meanings to the three colors: red for the nation and unity, white for religion and blue for the King as head of state.
Explore the Trairong color symbolism →
Why is the blue stripe larger?
The wider central stripe gives the royal color visual emphasis and anchors the flag’s five-band symmetry.
What does Trairong mean?
Trairong means “tricolour,” referring to the three colors used across the five horizontal bands.
How did the flag develop?
Thailand’s flag tradition began with plain red ship flags in the Ayutthaya period. Under King Rama I, royal vessels used a red flag with a white chakra. The modern red-white-blue Trairong was established under King Rama VI through the Flag Act B.E. 2460, corresponding to 1917.
Read the full Thailand flag history →
What are the official proportions?
The flag is specified as six parts high by nine parts long, equivalent to a 2:3 ratio. The central blue band occupies two of the six height units.
How can you identify Thailand’s flag?
Look for five horizontal stripes with a much wider dark-blue centre band. Thailand has no emblem, star or coat of arms on its ordinary national flag.
Thailand flag facts
| Name | Trairong / Thong Trai Rong |
|---|---|
| Colors | Red, white, blue |
| Stripe order | Red-white-blue-white-red |
| Ratio | 2:3 |
| Modern design | 1917 |
Thailand flag FAQ
What does the blue stripe represent?
The King.
Why are there five stripes but only three colors?
White and red are repeated symmetrically around the wider central blue band.
