^{This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website}

King's and Queen's Flags (Thailand)

The King's Flag (Maharaj Yai)
The King's Broad Pennant (Maharaj Noi)
Former King's Flags
The Queen's Flag (Rachini Yai)
The Queen's Broad Pennant (Rachini Noi)
Former Queen's Flag
King Rama IX Golden Jubilee Flag

See also:

Other sites:

Thailand's Buddhist Era Calendar
(Editor's note: to obtain AD dates, simply take away 543 years from the BE dates)

The King's Flag

Maharaj Yai

by Calvin Paige Herring

From the Singha Beer source:

Maharaj Yai
The "Maharaj Yai" is a rectangular flag [similar to th-r-kng.gif above but with smaller Garuda], in the center of which is a red garuda set against a yellow background.

King Rama VI initiated the use of these two flags [the "Maharaj Yai" and the "Maharaj Noi"] as Royal Standards in B.E. 2454 [1911 AD]. The flying "Maharaj Yai" indicated the presence of the King, although the "Maharaj Noi" would be flown in its place whenever no 21 gun salute was ordered. These two are still in use — even to this day.

Santiago Dotor, 27 October 1999

The King's Broad Pennant

Maharaj Noi

The blue border matches the original source's background and is not part of the flag
from the Singha Beer source

From the Singha Beer source:

Maharaj Noi
The "Maharaj Noi" is divided into two parts, each not more than 60 cms wide. While one part is of the same colour and pattern as the "Maharaj Yai", the adjoining part is a long white flag tapering off to a point. The far right or "fly" end, which is cut in the shape of a bird's tail is only half the width of the left end, occupying 3/8 of the total width.

Santiago Dotor, 27 October 1999

Former King's Flags

Royal Flag when the King is present

by Jaume Ollé

The Judhathippatai Flag 1891-1897

The blue border matches the original source's background and is not part of the flag)
from the Singha Beer source

From the Singha Beer source:

The Judhathippatai Flag
The Judhathippatai is a red flag with a beautifully caprisoned triple-headed elephant facint ["facing"?] the flag pole. On its back rests a howdah carrying the Royal Insignia. On the insignia itself one can see the initials "Jor-Por-Ror" — the initials of King Rama V, otherwise known as King Chulalongkorn, while above it stands a Pra Kiew or coronet. At the front and back of the elephant are more items of Royal regalia in the form of two multi-tiered white canopies. [Similar to th-kngpr.gif "Royal Flag when the King is present" above but with green coloured "multi-tier canopies" and improved detail.]

This flag was first used as the national flag in B.E. 2434 [1891 AD] during the reign of King Rama V. Essentially, it replaced Ayyarapot flag created during the reign of King Rama IV and was designed to be flown over the Palace whenever the King was not in residence. It was used as a departmental flag by officers from the Military whenever they were sent on a mission during wartime. The flag, which remained in use right up until B.E.2440 [1897 AD], denoted the presence of the King or was used by officers from the military when lining up on parade to welcome royal dignitaries from abroad. Later, another Ayyarapot flag was created, somewhat similar in appearance to it predecessor, except for the fact that the "howdah" on the elephant's back carried the sacred syllable "Unalome". It was in use until B.E.2453 [1910 AD] when King Rama VI introduced a new Royal flag.

Santiago Dotor, 28 October 1999

Royal Flag when the King is not present

by Jaume Ollé

The Raromraj-Thawach-Maha-Siamindra Royal Flag 1891-1910

The blue border matches the original source's background and is not part of the flag
from the Singha Beer source

From the Singha Beer source:

Raromraj-Thawach-Maha-Siamindra
The "Maharaj" Flag or Royal Flag

This red flag [similar to th-kngnp.gif "Royal Flag when the King is not present" but with B++ instead of B-- shade of blue] contains a dark blue rectangle, in the middle of which stands the national coat of arms. Above the coat of arms lies the Chakkra —symbol of Chakkri Dynasty— crowned by a trident, while above sits the Greater Crown of the Chakkri Kings.

The coat of arms itself is divided into three sections: the triple-headed white elephant fully-caparisoned against a plain yellow background, symbolizes northern, central, and southern Siam; the white elephant against a pink background represents Laos, while the crossed daggers against a red background symbolize Malaya, with a platform supporting the coat of arms and seven-tiered canopy against a yellow background.

The flag was designed in B.E. 2434 [1891 AD] during the reign of King Rama V. It was flown from the masts of Royal vessels or from the roof of the Royal Palace in Bangkok to indicate that the King was currently in residence. In B.E. 2440 [1897 AD], the flag, known as the "Maharaj" flag, was flown during royal processions or from the masts of Royal vessels or warships whenever His Majesty was on board — a practice that continued until B.E. 2453 [1910 AD].

Santiago Dotor, 27 October 1999

The Queen's Flag

Rachini Yai

by Calvin Paige Herring8

From the Singha Beer source:

Rachini Yai
This yellow flag [similar to th-r-qen.gif above but with smaller Garuda], measuring 10 by 15, with one side cut into the shape of a bird's tail, and the apex reaching a quarter of the way along the flag's total length, is similar to the "Maharaj Yai" in that there is a red garuda in the middle. Flown from the main mast of the Royal Yacht when on official business, it denotes the presence on board of Her Majesty the Queen.

This flag was first used during the reign of King Rama VI, following the issuing of a special Royal Decree (R.S.129) specifying that there should be two types of flag for the exclusive use of Her Majesty the Queen, i.e. the above-mentioned "Rachini Yai" and the "Rachini Noi". These flags have been in use ever since — right down to the present day.

Santiago Dotor, 27 October 1999

The Queen's Broad Pennant

Rachini Noi

The blue border matches the original source's background and is not part of the flag
from the Singha Beer source

From the Singha Beer source:

Rachini Noi
This tiny yellow flag [like th_rmahn.gif "Maharaj Noi", but with a red tapering swallowtail instead of a white one], less than 60 cms. square, is connected on the right to a long red "tail" that tapers off to a point-like that of a bird's tail, the right-hand side being half the width of the left. The other features are in the same proportions as those found on the "Maharaj Noi".

This flag was used in place of the Rachini Yai whenever there was no order for a 21 gun salute. The flag has been in use since B.E.2453 i.e. during the reign of King Rama VI — down to the present time.

Santiago Dotor, 27 October 1999

Former Queen's Flag

The Rachini Queen's Standard 1897-1910

The blue border matches the original source's background and is not part of the flag
from the Singha Beer source

From the Singha Beer source:

Rachini
The Queen's Standard
This red flag [equal to th-kngnp.gif "Royal Flag when the King is not present", only adding a red swallowtail formed by two vertically opposite triangles whose ratio is 5:3 —hoist:fly as usual— and possibly changing B-- to B++ blue], measuring 10 by 15 with one side cut into the shape of a bird's tail and the apex reaching a quarter of the way along the flag's total length, contains a dark blue rectangular measuring 6 by 8, in the middle of which stands the coat of arms — similar to the one on the Baromraj-thawach-maha-siamindra.

This flag which first appeared during the reign of King Rama V, was designed for the exclusive use of the Queen. From B.E. 2440-2453 [1897-1910 AD] it was flown from the main mast of the Royal Yacht during official royal trips.

Santiago Dotor, 27 October 1999

King Rama IX Golden Jubilee Flag

The blue border matches the original source's background and is not part of the flag
from the Singha Beer source

From the Singha Beer source:

The Flag commemorating His Majesty's Golden Jubilee Year

The flag contains the Royal Insignia of King Rama IX, together with the coat of arms of the Chakkri Dynasty, above which hovers a crown symbolizing the Chakkri Monarchy. In addition, there is a double-tiered royal chalice-carried by two white elephant covered by a white canopy.

The flag itself honours both his Majesty the King and the Cakkri [sic] Dynasty as a whole; not only does it demonstrate the pride which the Thai people take in having such a talented monarch-one who has ruled the country for over 50 years; it also celebrates the nation itself, its long and distinguished history and its unique art and culture, as well as the national character in general.

Santiago Dotor, 26 October 1999