Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the competitions in Thai society for the meanings of the colors of the Thai national flag.  The data of this qualitative study were collected through observations and in-depth interviews with 20 informants consisting of government employees, political rally participants, sports competition participants, and other people.  The data were classified into categories, interpreted, then presented with descriptive analysis.  The study found that the meanings of the colors of the national flag depended on the context of each situation where the flag was used as follows. 1) The colors of the national flag are used to represent the country as a nation state.  This is when the flag is used abroad in sports competitions, and it is used on sports shirts, the waving flag, cheering spectators wearing small stickers of the national flag on their faces to show it as a symbol of their nation state.  2) The colors of the national flag are used as a political symbol.  This is when the flag is printed on various kinds of products such as ribbon hair bows, plastic clapping hands, whistles, and hair bands that people use to show their love for the nation, religion, and the King.  3) The colors of the national flag are used as a sacred object.  This is when the flag is used prestigiously to cover the coffins or cremated bones of individuals who have been killed on duty or in service to show their bravery and sacrifice for the country.  4) The colors of the national flag are used as a welcoming sign for HM the King.  This is when the flag is used to decorate places to welcome a royal visit, and for people to wave to show their respect and love to HM the King.  5) The colors of the national flag are used to indicate government ownership.  This is when the flag is used to show government’s ownership of places such as government premises to show that they are under the government power, and the government workplace.

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