Symbols of Thailand
| Category | Thai name (if applicable) | Description | Year formally adopted* |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Flag | ธงไตรรงค์ (Thong Trairong, “tricolour flag”) | Five horizontal stripes (red–white–blue–white–red); blue represents the monarchy, white Buddhism, red the nation. | 1917 |
| Emblem / Coat-of-arms | ครุฑ (Garuda, “Krut”) | A red-winged Garuda, the mythical mount of the Hindu god Vishnu; symbolises divine authority of the King. | 1911 (current design) |
| National Anthem | เพลงชาติไทย (Phleng Chat Thai) | Played daily at 08:00 and 18:00 nationwide; lyrics express pride in the nation, religion, monarchy. | 1939 (melody 1932) |
| Royal Anthem | เพลงสรรเสริญพระบารมี (Phleng Sansoen Phra Barami) | Sung in honour of the King and royal family. | 1888 |
| National Motto (de facto) | ชาติ ศาสนา พระมหากษัตริย์ (“Nation - Religion - King”) | Not codified in law but printed on many official seals and documents. | — |
| National Animal | ช้างไทย (Chang Thai, Asian elephant) | Emblem of strength, endurance and historical importance in warfare and logging. | 2001 |
| National Aquatic Animal | ปลากัดไทย (Pla Kat Thai, Siamese fighting fish / Betta splendens) | Valued for its beauty and tenacity; native to Thailand’s rice-paddy ecosystems. | 2019 |
| National Bird | ไก่ฟ้าพญาลอ (Kai Fa Phaya Lo, Siamese Fireback / Lophura diardi) | Gorgeous pheasant species found in lowland forests of central Thailand. | 2019 |
| National Flower & Tree | ราชพฤกษ์ (Ratchaphruek, Golden Shower / Cassia fistula) | Bright yellow blossoms mirror the colour associated with the monarchy and Buddhism; blooms nationwide in the hot season. | 2001 |
| National Sport | มวยไทย (Muay Thai) | Traditional art of Thai boxing dating back centuries; combines strikes and clinching techniques. | 2016 (official recognition) |
* The cabinet of Thailand began formally designating national emblems in 2001 and has continued to add categories since.
Other widely recognised symbols (not legally official)
• The white elephant (a rarer, auspicious variety of Asian elephant).
• The sala (open pavilion) and prang (Khmer-style tower) architectural motifs.
• The kinnaree (half-bird, half-woman mythical creature).
• Traditional dishes such as Tom Yum Goong and Pad Thai, often promoted abroad as culinary symbols.