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Thai Elephant-Embroidered Table Runner

Updated at 2022-06-27

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Elephant-related items are everywhere in Thailand. This table runner is only one of many examples. The elephant is a sacred animal respected by everyone in Thailand and has deep ties with Thai history, culture, religion, and economics. Warriors rode elephants on the battlefield in ancient times, and royalty rode elephants when parading the streets. Thai Buddhism is heavily influenced by the Indian religion. Therefore, Ganesha is commonly used in Buddhist temples in Thailand. Elephants are the pride of the Thai people and symbolize dignity, bravery, and authority. They are so intertwined with Thai culture that the government designated March 13 as National Elephant Day to celebrate the collective memories of the Thai people.

Details

Name

Thai Elephant-Embroidered Table Runner

Giver

Ambassador Mr. Thongchai Chasawath Thailand Trade and Economic Office (Taipei)

Friendly States

The Kingdom of Thailand

Additional

Flag: The flag of the Kingdom of Thailand (Thai: ธงไตรรงค์; RTGS: thong trai rong, meaning 'tricolor flag') shows five horizontal stripes in the colors red, white, blue, white and red, with the central blue stripe being twice as wide as each of the other four. Red represents the land and people of Thailand. White originally represented Theravada Buddhism. It now represents religion. Blue represents the royal family and the king.
National Day: December 5 (birthday of late King Rama IX)
Language: Thai
Capital: Bangkok
Area: Approx. 513,120 square kilometers
Population: 70 million (2021)
Currency: Baht (THB
Government: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The current prime minister is Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha, the former commander-in-chief of the Thai Army, who has served as the interim prime minister since the coup took over the government on May 22, 2014. Gen. Chan-ocha was re-elected as Prime Minister by the House of Representatives after the general election on March 24, 2019.