Laos, 1952-1975

Lao People's Democratic Republic, Sathalanalat Pasathipatai Pasason Lao, R�publique de'

Last modified: 2002-12-14 by phil nelson
Keywords: laos | elephant |
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by Vincent Morley and Antonio Martins

• The 1952-1975 flag
• Fin flash and Roundel

• Laos

The September 1961 issue of the National Geographic magazine contains an article about the flags of the 99 states which were then UN members. The introduction to it says that where the 'national flag' and 'government flag' differed, the former was shown. Unfortunately, the commentary on the individual flags does not specify when this has been done.
Vincent Morley - 25 May 1997

I must make two corrections to the gif of the former Laotian flag. Firstly, I notice that only one tusk was shown for the elephants on the left and right; in fact, both tusks should be visible. Secondly, the date of the flag's adoption should be 1952, not 1955.
Vincent Morley - 26 May 1997

According to Cochrane & Elliot Military Aircraft Insignia of the World before the Pathet Lao took over (1975), the Laotian air force used a fin flash of the national flag of the time- red with white elephants on steps, under a parasol, and on the wings & fuselage used red roundels with the same symbol.

The Laos fin flash was the then national flag: " upon a red background were three elephants under a parasol, representing the monarchy, standing on five steps , representing the five first commandments of Buddhism"
Dov Gutterman, 9 February 2000