Siamese logos : the evolution of thai logos in the Rattanakosin period in Thai history

Abstract

Thai logo design is a field of fine arts using symbols to represent and communicate something to others both in the same and different cultures. Since the Sukhothai period, over 800years ago, Thai people started using logos. Through time Thai logo design and usage have evolved due to changes in politics, administration, social circumstances, economic conditions and culture. Studying Thai logos in each period will surely enable those who are interested to acquire not only the knowledge about Thai arts but also Thai history. Moreover, studying Thai logos used in the past will also enable those who are interested to understand the trend of logo design at present and in the future. This research was implemented using many techniques and skills. Including researching skills, interviewing, photographing, reading, field surveying, questionnaire surveying and analyzing skills. The purpose of the research was to study Thai logos in the Rattanakosin period to look for evidence supporting the hypotheses that certain factors including politics, administration, social circumstances, economic conditions and culture, have affected the Thai logo design in this period. It was hoped that if the hypotheses was proved right, the principles of Thai logo design could be roughly set so that designers could use them as guidance to design Thai logos at present and in the future.