This is a continually updated photo gallery of street signs from around Thailand. Not only are street signs in many Thai towns beautiful, their creative designs are based on local landmarks, history, culture, legends, industries, etc. Click on each photo to see it large.
Central Thailand

Ayutthaya city
The building represents the old royal palace, which was completely destroyed by the Burmese. I couldn't determine if it is a specific building or not, though it does bear a resemblance to a sketch I saw of the 1688 Banyong Rattanat Pavilion (aka Tai Sra Pavilion), which sat on a small island.
The building represents the old royal palace, which was completely destroyed by the Burmese. I couldn't determine if it is a specific building or not, though it does bear a resemblance to a sketch I saw of the 1688 Banyong Rattanat Pavilion (aka Tai Sra Pavilion), which sat on a small island.

Ayutthaya city
These street signs are found around Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple, which has a large, historic stupa.
These street signs are found around Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple, which has a large, historic stupa.

Ban Pho, Ayutthaya province
Many fighting chickens are raised here, a tradition going way back into the past.
Many fighting chickens are raised here, a tradition going way back into the past.

Nakhon Luang, Ayutthaya province
Prasat Nakhon Luang is an Ayutthaya-era palace converted to a Buddhist footprint shrine.
Prasat Nakhon Luang is an Ayutthaya-era palace converted to a Buddhist footprint shrine.

Kanchanaburi city
This fish is Jullien's golden carp (bplaa yisok), a popular food that is common in rivers here. Some say that if you don't eat it, you didn't really visit Kanchanaburi.
This fish is Jullien's golden carp (bplaa yisok), a popular food that is common in rivers here. Some say that if you don't eat it, you didn't really visit Kanchanaburi.

Kanchanaburi city
This fish is Jullien's golden carp (bplaa yisok), a popular food that is common in rivers here. Some say that if you don't eat it, you didn't really visit Kanchanaburi.
This fish is Jullien's golden carp (bplaa yisok), a popular food that is common in rivers here. Some say that if you don't eat it, you didn't really visit Kanchanaburi.

Ban Tham, Kanchanaburi province
The popular Wat Ban Tham temple is in the mountains very near this village.
The popular Wat Ban Tham temple is in the mountains very near this village.

Ko Samrong, Kanchanaburi province
This village was settled by three Vietnamese families, represented by these houses.
This village was settled by three Vietnamese families, represented by these houses.

Sangkhlaburi, Kanchanaburi province
Three Pagodas Pass is a famous, historically important border crossing to Burma in the north of the province.
Three Pagodas Pass is a famous, historically important border crossing to Burma in the north of the province.

Sangkhlaburi, Kanchanaburi province
This fish is Jullien's golden carp (bplaa yisok), a common fish and popular food in the province. Some say that if you don't eat it, you didn't really visit Kanchanaburi.
This fish is Jullien's golden carp (bplaa yisok), a common fish and popular food in the province. Some say that if you don't eat it, you didn't really visit Kanchanaburi.

Tha Kha-nun, Kanchanaburi province
The "Thong Pha Phum Rambutan," which has a small size and sweet taste, grows in this area.
The "Thong Pha Phum Rambutan," which has a small size and sweet taste, grows in this area.

Tha Lo, Kanchanaburi province
The wheel is part of the symbol for the Army Transportation Department Training Center located here.
The wheel is part of the symbol for the Army Transportation Department Training Center located here.

Tha Maka, Kanchanaburi province
The top of the sign has the Bridge Over the River Kwai, though it's not in this town.
The top of the sign has the Bridge Over the River Kwai, though it's not in this town.

Tha Sao, Kanchanaburi province
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is a very popular tourist destination. They chose peacocks because they look better on a sign than a waterfall.
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is a very popular tourist destination. They chose peacocks because they look better on a sign than a waterfall.

Thong Phu Phum, Kanchanaburi province
The rare Regal Crab (Thaiphusa sirikit), which has a blue body like the sign, is found in this area.
The rare Regal Crab (Thaiphusa sirikit), which has a blue body like the sign, is found in this area.

Thong Phu Phum, Kanchanaburi province
The rare Regal Crab (Thaiphusa sirikit), which has a blue body like the sign, is found in this area.
The rare Regal Crab (Thaiphusa sirikit), which has a blue body like the sign, is found in this area.

Lopburi city
This is the god Rama shooting an arrow. According to the Ramakien folktale, Lopburi was built where the arrow fell and was given as a gift to the monkey god Hanuman.
This is the god Rama shooting an arrow. According to the Ramakien folktale, Lopburi was built where the arrow fell and was given as a gift to the monkey god Hanuman.

Lopburi city
This is Prang Sam Yot Khmer ruin, which lies in the heart of the city, with added Thai and French flags in honor of this being France Street.
This is Prang Sam Yot Khmer ruin, which lies in the heart of the city, with added Thai and French flags in honor of this being France Street.

Khao Sam Yot, Lopburi province
This "Three-Peaked-Mountain" sits at the east end of this sub-district.
This "Three-Peaked-Mountain" sits at the east end of this sub-district.

Ban Nong Pho, Ratchaburi province
There is a very large dairy farm here and their Nom Nong Pho is a famous brand of milk.
There is a very large dairy farm here and their Nom Nong Pho is a famous brand of milk.

Samut Songkhram city
The old name of the province was Mae Khlong and though the meaning of the name is lost to history, the word khlong also means drum, so it was adopted as a provincial symbol.
The old name of the province was Mae Khlong and though the meaning of the name is lost to history, the word khlong also means drum, so it was adopted as a provincial symbol.
Eastern Thailand
No photos at the moment.
Northeastern Thailand

Non Din Daeng, Buriram province
The government seal at the top shows the Rao Su ("We Fight") Memorial, which commemorates people who died fighting communists who were trying to sabotage construction of the highway here.
The government seal at the top shows the Rao Su ("We Fight") Memorial, which commemorates people who died fighting communists who were trying to sabotage construction of the highway here.

Chaiyaphum city
The top is Prang Ku, a Khmer ruin on the edge of the city, and there are Siam tulips, one of the province's main tourist attractions, on this side.
The top is Prang Ku, a Khmer ruin on the edge of the city, and there are Siam tulips, one of the province's main tourist attractions, on this side.

Chutturat, Chaiyaphum province
This small town lies along the rail line between Bangkok and Nong Khai.
This small town lies along the rail line between Bangkok and Nong Khai.

Khon Kaen city
The kaen musical instrument and decorative squares are symbols of Isan culture. Dok koon is the provincial flower.
The kaen musical instrument and decorative squares are symbols of Isan culture. Dok koon is the provincial flower.

Khon Kaen city
The official city seal on the top has Phra That Kham Kaen, one of the province's most revered stupas.
The official city seal on the top has Phra That Kham Kaen, one of the province's most revered stupas.

Khon Kaen city
These street signs have two Isan symbols: kochasi from the Sin Sai legend and diamond patterns used as temple decorations.
These street signs have two Isan symbols: kochasi from the Sin Sai legend and diamond patterns used as temple decorations.

Khon Kaen city
These street signs are found at Khon Kaen University. It has several patterns used in silk weaving.
These street signs are found at Khon Kaen University. It has several patterns used in silk weaving.

Ban Phai, Khon Kaen province
A person at city hall said these are supposed to be lotuses, but neither lotus flowers or bulbs look like this, so I don't know what the real story is.
A person at city hall said these are supposed to be lotuses, but neither lotus flowers or bulbs look like this, so I don't know what the real story is.

Phu Wiang, Khon Kaen province
Phu Wiang National Park was the first place dinosaur fossils were found in Thailand.
Phu Wiang National Park was the first place dinosaur fossils were found in Thailand.

Wang Saphung, Loei province
The tree is Tetrameles nudiflora, which in Thai is a sapung tree, and because there are many of them here, the town took it for its name. In the lower right are Dvaravati era bai sema sacred boundary stones found at Wat Phatthasimaram.
The tree is Tetrameles nudiflora, which in Thai is a sapung tree, and because there are many of them here, the town took it for its name. In the lower right are Dvaravati era bai sema sacred boundary stones found at Wat Phatthasimaram.

Borabue, Maha Sarakham province
The circle is the official city seal, which has a lotus and a dharma wheel.
The circle is the official city seal, which has a lotus and a dharma wheel.

Mukdahan city
The ball represents the city's number one tourist attraction, Ho Kaew Mukdahan, a 65m-tall museum and observation tower. Though the real one has a much smaller pole on top.
The ball represents the city's number one tourist attraction, Ho Kaew Mukdahan, a 65m-tall museum and observation tower. Though the real one has a much smaller pole on top.

Nakhon Phanom city
This city has Thailand's biggest "fire boat" parade at the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat.
This city has Thailand's biggest "fire boat" parade at the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat.

That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom province
That Phanom is home to one of the holiest stupas in Thailand and Laos.
That Phanom is home to one of the holiest stupas in Thailand and Laos.

Nakhon Ratchasima city
This is Pratu Chomphon city gate, the only original part of the old fortifications still standing.
This is Pratu Chomphon city gate, the only original part of the old fortifications still standing.

Roi Et city
'Roi Et' means 101 in Thai, and many musical instruments, including wot (circular pan flute) are made in the province.
'Roi Et' means 101 in Thai, and many musical instruments, including wot (circular pan flute) are made in the province.

Ban Niwet, Roi Et province
This village's former name was Ban Bong Ling, "Monkey Salt Lick Village" because there used to be a troop of monkeys that hung around a salt lick near the village.
This village's former name was Ban Bong Ling, "Monkey Salt Lick Village" because there used to be a troop of monkeys that hung around a salt lick near the village.
Northern Thailand

Lampang city
This is in the style of a han-nam, the traditional Lanna roofed stand used for keeping water pots to offer refreshment to visitors.
This is in the style of a han-nam, the traditional Lanna roofed stand used for keeping water pots to offer refreshment to visitors.

Ban Tha Pa Pao, Lamphun province
There's no story or symbolism, I just like that it's made from a slice of tree trunk.
There's no story or symbolism, I just like that it's made from a slice of tree trunk.

Phitsanulok city
King Naresuan, shown riding his war elephant, ruled Ayutthaya, but was born in Phitsanulok.
King Naresuan, shown riding his war elephant, ruled Ayutthaya, but was born in Phitsanulok.

Phitsanulok city
Has five icons of Phitsanulok province. 1) Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat (home to the famous Chinnarat Buddha, but the Buddha on this sign is the large Phra Attharot Buddha). 2) Nature, represented by the waterfall. 3) Houseboats on the Nan River. 4) Native son King Naresuan riding his war elephant. (The elephants are often broken.) 5) The ancient, and long ago destroyed, "Naresuan Hat Fortress." When replica sections of the old city walls were built, hat-shaped roofs were included over the towers in honor of this fort.
Has five icons of Phitsanulok province. 1) Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat (home to the famous Chinnarat Buddha, but the Buddha on this sign is the large Phra Attharot Buddha). 2) Nature, represented by the waterfall. 3) Houseboats on the Nan River. 4) Native son King Naresuan riding his war elephant. (The elephants are often broken.) 5) The ancient, and long ago destroyed, "Naresuan Hat Fortress." When replica sections of the old city walls were built, hat-shaped roofs were included over the towers in honor of this fort.
Southern Thailand

Krabi city
This is a smilodon, a type of saber tooth tiger. Theirs are some of the many fossils of ancient animals found in the Krabi area.
This is a smilodon, a type of saber tooth tiger. Theirs are some of the many fossils of ancient animals found in the Krabi area.

Krabi city
This is a white-bellied sea eagle (nok-awk). These birds are rare in Thailand, though several nest in the Krabi area.
This is a white-bellied sea eagle (nok-awk). These birds are rare in Thailand, though several nest in the Krabi area.

Krabi city
An elephant holding a sword is the symbol of the city. In the past, Krabi was noted for its large elephant population, and the word krabi means sword, and this is probably (there are other theories) where the name of the province came from.
An elephant holding a sword is the symbol of the city. In the past, Krabi was noted for its large elephant population, and the word krabi means sword, and this is probably (there are other theories) where the name of the province came from.

Krabi city
An elephant holding a sword is the symbol of the city. In the past, Krabi was noted for its large elephant population, and the word krabi means sword, and this is probably (there are other theories) where the name of the province came from.
An elephant holding a sword is the symbol of the city. In the past, Krabi was noted for its large elephant population, and the word krabi means sword, and this is probably (there are other theories) where the name of the province came from.

Ao Nang, Krabi province
These are sailfish, a popular sportfishing prey. The design is similar to a large sculpture along the waterfront.
These are sailfish, a popular sportfishing prey. The design is similar to a large sculpture along the waterfront.

Narathiwat city
An artistic representation of a traditional korlae fishing boat, typical of far southern Thailand.
An artistic representation of a traditional korlae fishing boat, typical of far southern Thailand.

Tak Bai, Narathiwat province
The sailboat represents this region's connection to the sea in commerce and fishing, and connections to faraway places.
The sailboat represents this region's connection to the sea in commerce and fishing, and connections to faraway places.

Tha Chang, Songkhla province
Tha Chang means Elephant Waterfront, and long ago mahouts brought their elephants here to bathe in the river.
Tha Chang means Elephant Waterfront, and long ago mahouts brought their elephants here to bathe in the river.

Pattani city
This is the 17th-century Phaya Tani cannon, the largest ever cast in Thailand. It was hauled off to Bangkok after the Thais defeated the sultanate and destroyed the city in 1786. It's now on display in front of the Defense Ministry and the government's refusal to return it to Pattani is a taken a serious affront by many locals.
This is the 17th-century Phaya Tani cannon, the largest ever cast in Thailand. It was hauled off to Bangkok after the Thais defeated the sultanate and destroyed the city in 1786. It's now on display in front of the Defense Ministry and the government's refusal to return it to Pattani is a taken a serious affront by many locals.

Phang Nga city
The symbol of an elephant holding a lotus in its trunk comes from Khao Chang mountain on the southwest side of the city, which has the shape of a crouching elephant.
The symbol of an elephant holding a lotus in its trunk comes from Khao Chang mountain on the southwest side of the city, which has the shape of a crouching elephant.

Koh Kaew, Phuket province
In the past, many people here worked in fishing, and this sign artistically represents the front of a fishing boat.
In the past, many people here worked in fishing, and this sign artistically represents the front of a fishing boat.

Bang Saphan Yai, Prachuap Khiri Khan province
The big gold disk is the city's official seal, which features Wat Khao Bot temple.
The big gold disk is the city's official seal, which features Wat Khao Bot temple.

Kuiburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan province
Kuiburi National Park is one of the best places in Thailand to see wild elephants.
Kuiburi National Park is one of the best places in Thailand to see wild elephants.

Ranong city
The top of the sign comes from the province's official seal. The building represents Ratana Rangsan Palace where King Rama 5 stayed in 1890 – the symbol in the middle of the building is the Thai numeral 5. At the bottom is a crab, since Ranong has hundreds of soft shell crab farms.
The top of the sign comes from the province's official seal. The building represents Ratana Rangsan Palace where King Rama 5 stayed in 1890 – the symbol in the middle of the building is the Thai numeral 5. At the bottom is a crab, since Ranong has hundreds of soft shell crab farms.

Ranong city
At the center of the design is a ship's wheel around the reclining Buddha from Wat Waree Banprot, one of the province's most important temples. The birds on the sides are hongsa, swan-like birds from the mythical Himmapan Forest. Nobody could tell me if the bell-shaped top represents anything or not. I thought maybe it was supposed to be a lighthouse, but was told that it was not this.
At the center of the design is a ship's wheel around the reclining Buddha from Wat Waree Banprot, one of the province's most important temples. The birds on the sides are hongsa, swan-like birds from the mythical Himmapan Forest. Nobody could tell me if the bell-shaped top represents anything or not. I thought maybe it was supposed to be a lighthouse, but was told that it was not this.

Songkhla city
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."

Songkhla city
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."

Songkhla city
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."
A bronze mermaid statue was erected on Laem Samila Beach in 1966 and has since become the symbol of the city. The mermaid comes from the classic folktale Phra Apai Manee written by Sunthorn Phu, "The Shakespeare of Thailand."
4 thoughts on “Thai Street Signs”
Wow, this is interesting. I have never noticed these street signs myself. I guess this article would change the way I read the street signs from now. Probably look at the pattern before reading the street names …lol.
Thank you. I will always be adding new ones when I find them.
Maybe a strange question, but can you buy these street signs? Ones that have been discarded of course and are no longer in use because they were deemed too damaged or too old. Would look nice on your own house with your own name on it.
I have never heard (or even thought of that) but I’m sure a city would sell the old ones if someone asked.