History of The Flag of Thailand
The current flag of Thailand was adopted on September 28, 1917, during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). Prior to this, the flag of Thailand (then Siam) featured a plain red field, sometimes with a white elephant—a symbol of the monarchy—in the center. The change to the current design was prompted by King Vajiravudh's observation that during a flood, the flag hanging upside-down was indistinguishable. He decreed the new flag design to ensure it would be symmetric and thus recognizable from any orientation. The introduction of the blue stripe was also a nod to solidarity with the Allied forces during World War I. Over the years, the flag has become a potent national symbol, embodying the unity and identity of Thailand.