LOPEZ, Liezl Camille F.

APS103
THAILAND
National animal: Thai Elephant
The Thai Elephant, Elephas maximus, has
been associated to Thai people for many
centuries now. The animal was used to lift
heavy materials and has been used as a
vehicle of war until the 16th century. In the movie, The King and I, King Mongkut even
offered the US president elephants to aid the
United States in war, saying that the reason
they don't win wars is because they don't
have elephants, showing the importance of
the elephants to the Thai people. They honor
March 13 as Elephant Day, implying that they
still have high regard to elephants up to this
day.
National flower/tree: Ratchaphruek
The Ratchaphruek, Cassia fistula Linn, is the
national flower/tree of Thailand. It can also be called Pudding Piper Tree or Indian
Laburnum. The tree grows up to 15 meters high and on its branches grow clusters of
yellow flowers. It blooms starting from February until March. The Thai people
consider this tree as something very hopeful and
promising since the different parts of the tree have
various uses. The tree's bark, roots, leaves, and
pods have a medicinal uses for both humans and
elephants. The bark and wood can be used for
producing leather.
National architecture: Thai Pavilion
The Thai Sala is a form of resting place
which, can be found in temples and homes.
The rectangular building usually has four wooden or brick pillars and a very steep roof.
Modern Thai pavilions now have a more minimalist and plain design but those that are

found within monasteries and royal palaces are heavily embellished in carvings and
intricate designs. The finials are decorated with horn-like ends, while the triangular gable
is often topped by a representation of a Naga, a mythical serpent.

National emblem: Garuda

The
Thai national and royal symbol is the Garuda
or Phra
Khrut Pha, a mythical half-bird, half-human
figure
(steed of the Hindu god Vishnu) that adorns King
Bhumibol Adulyadej's scepter and royal standard.
Many ministries and departments have
incorporated the Garuda into their insignias.
Moreover, the Garuda is the symbol of
royalty, divine power, and the authority of the
king. It is the signification of being "By Royal
Appointment" and is awarded, at the personal discretion of His Majesty the King, as a
sign of royal approval to companies that have rendered outstanding economic and
charitable services to Thailand. Such an award is rarely bestowed and is considered a
great honor. The Garuda is also present in
the national emblem of Indonesia and
Ulaanbaatar.
National flag
The flag of the Kingdom of Siam was created
during the reign of King Rama II and flew on
all Siamese sea-going vessels. The present
national flag, the "Trai-rong" or three colors, was designed by King Rama VI and was
first used on September 28, 1917. The five horizontal stripes of three colors-red, white,
and blue-have very significant meanings. Red signifies the life-blood of Thai people; the
white stripe symbolizes the purity of Buddhism, the national religion; and the dominant
blue stripe, the monarchy and the important part it plays in the daily life of the Thai
people.
Sources:
http://www.identity.opm.go.th/identity/doc/nis00837.PDF
http://www.zeenthailand.com/www/tools_symbol.html

MYANMAR
National flower/tree: Padauk tree
The Padauk tree, Pterocarpus macrocarpus,
hardwood tree symbolizes strength and
durability and bears the golden fragrant
flowers that are considered as the national
flower of Myanmar. The Padauk trees flowers
bloom in April, heralding the first April
showers, the Water Festival (Thingyan) and
New Year celebrations. The wood is durable and resistant to termites; it is important,
used
for
furniture, construction timber, cart wheels, tool handles, and
posts; though not a true rosewood it is
sometimes traded as such.
National
The current
October
flag
was

flag
flag of Myanmar (also known as Burma) was adopted on 21
2010 to replace the former flag in use since 1974. The new
introduced along with implementing changes to the country's
name, which were laid out in the 2008
Constitution.The design of the flag has three
horizontal stripes of yellow, green and red
with a five-pointed white star in the middle.
The three colors of the stripes are meant to
symbolize solidarity, peace and tranquility,
and courage and decisiveness.

National dish: Mohinga

Regarded as Myanmars national dish and
prolific across the country, mohinga is a fish soup made with rice noodles. The exact

recipe varies based on regional tastes and ingredients, but youll find a typical version in
the countrys south, where fresh fish abounds. To form the rich and hardy broth, vendors
combine chickpea flour with a host of vegetables and seasoning, including onions,
lemongrass, garlic, ginger and banana tree stem, then cook it in fish sauce. After
combining the stew with rice, vermicelli, the dish can be topped with an array of optional
additions, including crispy fritters, chickpeas or a boiled eggmeaning each bowl of
mohinga, like each individual experience in
Myanmar, is completely unique.

National sport: Chinlone

Chinlone or cane ball is the national sport of
Myanmar. Over 1,500 years old, chinlone is a non-competitive team sport, where
players perform a range of moves in order
to keep the rattan ball from the ground. It
takes a lot of focus, teamwork and skill.
Only six points of contact from the knees to
the toes are allowed. The teams of six
players can be mixed gender and made up
of children and adults.
National musical instrument: Saung
Gauk
Saung Gauk is also known as the Burmese
harp. The saung is the national musical
instrument of Myanmar. Its features that may
be traced back to pre-Hittite times and the Egyptian 4th dynasty (c. 2575c. 2465 bce).
The elegant boat-shaped harp is partly made from hollowed hardwood, and the graceful
arching neck is made from the root of an acacia tree. A seated musician plays the
prestigious instrument, resting it on his lap. It was played traditionally in royal courts.
These symbols are nationally known and proudly denoted by Burmese. Just like any
other countries, these represent the biotic and abiotic inhabitants of Myanmar.
Sources:

https://dpsamyanmar.wordpress.com/2016/03/16/national-symbols-ofmyanmar/comment-page-1/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Myanmar
http://www.butterfield.com/blog/2013/08/27/mohinga-myanmars-national-dish/
https://www.britannica.com/art/Southeast-Asian-arts/Tonal-systems#ref402315