Siam Flag Museum: Ensigns of The Times
Nida Tunsuttiwong
A flag is a symbolic representation of a nation state, which can often tell us some important and interesting things about its history, such as the stars (representing 50 states) on the United States of America’s ‘Stars and Stripes’ and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK)’s member states’ flags that make up Britain’s 'Union Jack' (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland).
Delve a little deeper and you’ll discover that although Wales is also a member of the UK, its unique dragon flag is not represented on the Union Jack, while the 13 stripes on the US stars and stripes represent the states that first rebelled against the British monarchy, leading to the establishment of the US.
Voyage of discovery
During the Rattanakosin era (1782-present), Thailand has changed its flag on several occasions before settling in 1917 on the Trairanga (‘the tricolor’), the nation’s current standard.
I discovered this and many more interesting facts about the development of the various versions of the Thai flag during a visit to the Siam Flag Museum on Lat Phrao Road. As well as providing a wealth of information, the museum also includes numerous fascinating exhibits collected over a period of 20 years by its founder - Pluethipol Prachunphol.
A labor of love
Established by means of Pluethipol’s personal funds, the museum shares its space with two other interesting museums – the Antique Phonograph & Gramophone Museum and the Bangkok Commemoration Museum. A real bonus for visitors to these three museums is that once you book ahead in advance, you’ll will be accompanied during your visit by the founder, who will share with you his wisdom, insights and repartee.
Raising standards
Pluethipol explains how the first flag of the kingdom of Siam (Thailand’s official name during the period 1782-1939 and 1945-1949) was based on a basic red flag that had been in use at sea by commercial fleets since the Ayutthaya era (1350-1767). During the reign of King Rama I (1782-1809), a chak (a wheel-like weapon used by the Hindu god Vishnu) was added to symbolize the ships of the Royal fleet.
Since other commercial vessels operating in the region used a flag of a similar appearance, King Rama II, who ruled during 1809-1824, decided to make it more individual by adding a white elephant in the middle of the wheel featured on the flag after being presented with three of the rare animals. It was felt that this move would ensure that Royal ships would be received in the proper manner.
Pluethipol points out that the flag also appears in a book (Flags of Maritime Nations) issued by the US congress and first published in 1882, which is also on display at the museum.
Foreign interpretations
The wheel, which had originally represented the King of Siam, was removed from the flag during the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868) so commercial ships could use it instead when involved in trading with foreign nations.
Pluenthipol says that while the image of the elephant developed over the years, its usage is rather inconsistent since employees of some foreign companies involved in the production of the flags had not even seen an elephant first hand. This meant that designs were often developed through word of mouth descriptions interpreted from persons who had encountered the animals.
During the reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925), the elephant’s appearance continued to improve following a makeover, presenting it smartly dressed and on a stand.
Since the production of flags produced overseas made it difficult for ordinary people to afford them, many citizens began using flags featuring red and white stripes.
As the elephant flag was often mistakenly hung upside down, the king tried to help address this by formally adopting the red and white striped flag in 1917.
Into the fold
During the same year, the monarch suggested that the central red stripe be changed to blue to more closely resemble the national flags of the country's allies during World War I. Blue also reflects the monarchy and white Theravada Buddhism, the nation’s primary form of religious faith. Known as Thong Trairong (‘Trairanga Flag’), the flag will mark its 100th anniversary in 2017.
During his enjoyable lecture, Pluethipol asked a young girl some questions regarding tiny details about the flag. Accompanied by her parents, the girl managed to provide the correct answers. It was really rather amazing to see such a young child so interested and knowledgeable regarding such matters.
Following the lecture, Pluethipol showed participants some of the many flags or flag-related items he has collected over the years. These include card games, as well as collections of coins, pins and stamps, while Pluethipol is also in possession of what is thought to be the oldest example of the Trairanga flag, which was presented to him by a foreign museum.
Entry to the museum costs 100 baht per person and reservations must be made in advance.
For further information, contact Tel: +66 (0)2 939 9920, or visit http://www.siamflag.org.
Transport connections:
Car: Drive down Lad Phrao Road until you reach soi 43. Turn left into the small street and then take the next right-hand turn. The museum is located near the end of this soi, which you will soon see on your left.
Credit: TAN Network (www.tannetwork.tv)
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