Our national flag and national anthem

Our national Flag:

The Thai flag is known as “Throng Trairong” and was adopted as the national flag in 1917 by Rama V (King Vajiravudh). Each of the colours on the flag has a meaning:

Blue represents the monarchy of Thailand

White represents religion/ Buddhism

Red represents the blood that the Thai people have lost and are willing to lose in order to protect the country.

The Thai flag is raised every weekday at 08.00 outside schools, offices and public places and lowered again at 18.00.

There are also different flags that represent different members of the Royal Family. The yellow flag of the King and the blue flag of the Queen are proudly flown outside many homes and businesses.

National Anthem

The Thai National Anthem, “Phleng Chaat”, is played at 08.00 and 18.00 everyday alongside the raising and lowering of the flag. Phleng is Thai for song and Chaat is the word for country, so it literally means song of our country. It is played on the television, radio and through speaker systems in public places. Even in the busy BTS stations of Bangkok you will see everybody stand still while the song plays. As a mark of respect you should also stand up and not move around while the anthem is playing.