The Thai Cabinet has officially recognized five Thai cat breeds as national symbols on the pet category following a proposal by the National Identity Committee.

According to the Thai government website, government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said that the proposal was approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday (18 November).

Between 1964 and 2024, the Cabinet had approved several national symbols, Siripong said. The Thai elephant was named national animal, the Siamese fighting fish as national aquatic animal, the Naga as national mythical creature, and the Thai wai as national greeting.

Siripong said that the National Identity Committee requested approval from the Cabinet for the five native cat breeds to be recognized as national symbols because they are distinct from other breeds and has long been part of the Thai society and culture. The government aims to encourage all sectors to recognize the importance of conserving these native breeds and pave the way to establishing breed standards and promoting the breeding and keeping of Thai cats. It also wants to protect Thailand’s ownership of its native cats and prevent the breeds from being registered by foreigners, as well as creating opportunities to increase economic values and develop creative industries linked to Thai cats. The Ministry of Culture has also backed the proposal.

Currently, only five native Thai cat breeds remain:

1. Suphalak,
2. Korat (also known as Si Sawat),
3. Wichienmaat (commonly known as the Siamese),
4. Konja, and
5. Khao Manee