Now it’s time for gift-giving as a cultural exchange to learn more about Thailand

through this gift. The gift today is about the emblem of both of our countries.
May I ask what is the emblem, the symbol of Kazakhstan? The animal seen on
your flag? Steppe eagle. On Thailand side, it is a flying creature too. It is the
Garuda or in Thai language, พญาครุฑ. It is a mythical bird with a human body. It
has the head like an eagle with its large wings. For the gift today, we have the
Necktie pin of the Garuda for Ambassador and the Brooch (โบรช) for Madame
for clothing decoration to events here in Thailand.

Now I’m going to share about the Garuda and why it is chosen as Thailand’s
national emblem. Since Thailand both Hinduism and Buddhism influence. Garuda
in Hindu and Buddhist traditions symbolizes strength, loyalty, and protection. In
Hindu mythology, Garuda is a demigod, a powerful protector of the god Vishnu.
In Buddhist mythology, Garuda is also a symbol of the Buddha's teachings and
enlightenment. In Thailand, you will usually see the image of Garuda with a
serpent in its claws representing the triumph of wisdom and goodness over evil.
It symbolizes the power and protection of the monarchy and the Thai people. The
serpent is interpreted as enemies and obstacles that Garuda must overcome to
ensure the safety and prosperity of the nation.

In 1911, King Vajiravudh (King Rama 6) officially adopted Garuda as Thailand's

national emblem, replacing the previous emblem of an elephant, used until today.
We can see this emblem in Thailand’s Coat of Arms and the Royal Standard as a
symbol of royalty in Thailand for centuries. On buildings, you can see it at the
King's palace, emblem on the side of the royal aircraft, sea or land vehicles. When
you go to the Bank headquarters, you can see the red Garuda statue next to the
sign of Bank’s name. Also at Grand Postal Office, even on Thai currencies!

In fact, if you pull out Thai banknotes, Thai Baht out of your pocket. You will see
the Garuda emblem in all of the banknotes. King Rama 10, King Rama 9 (our
previous King), here on the top right, here in the center. Garuda on banknotes
dated back to King Rama 6 reign since 1902, Garuda was initially sealed on 1
Baht notes, then to 5 Baht, 10 Baht, 20 Baht notes and so on. During the reign of
King Rama 7, notes with the King’s portrait were first issued in 1934. The King
and Garuda appeared on notes of 1 Baht, 5 Baht, 10 Baht and 20 Baht. Garuda
continues its important role in modern Thai currency.

For coins, the Garuda coins in 1974 for 1 Baht coins, today, it is worth up to
20,000 Baht for 1 Baht Garuda coin for the collectors. The last coin design with
Garuda was in 1982 of 5 Baht coin, since then the design is changed to temples.
If you want to learn more about Garuda, Thailand’s emblem, we have Garuda
Museum here in Samut Prakan province, Bangkok’s neighboring province. Thai
Military Bank Thanachart established the first and only Garuda museum in
ASEAN in 2011. At the time, the bank has been operating for over 70 years, they
see the value and the importance of the Royal Garuda Emblem which Thai people
had a faith in and a strong relationship with. So yes, please go visit to learn more
about Thailand’s emblem. That is all on Thailand’s national emblem.

Now let’s talk about Kazakhstan national symbol which as mentioned in the
beginning is the Step eagle (สเตป). It is a powerful and majestic bird that is
well-adapted to the country's vast step (สเตป) landscapes (Western Step in
Kazakhstan). The steppe eagle is one of the largest birds of prey in the world, with
a wingspan of up to seven feet ( or over 2 meters). Could you share about the
Step eagle? As Kazakhstan’s cultural symbol and what it represents?

Is it also known as "Berkut," meaning "golden eagle" in Kazakh?

In Kazakh tradition and folklore, representing courage, strength, and freedom.
Also Berkut has been trained for hunting by nomadic Kazakh tribes for centuries.

In 1992, Kazakhstan officially adopted the steppe eagle as its national emblem
and coat of arms. Your flag color is blue, symbolizes the sky where the Step eagle
is flying on with a sun. The steppe eagle is also featured in your currency

Same as Thailand that see Garuda emblem on our Thai Baht currency,
we also see Step eagle on Tenge (เทงเจ) Kazakhstan currency. Last year in
October, we see the new Tenge (เทงเจ) banknote of 20,000 with Step Eagle
design on it. The highest value currency issued by National Bank of Kazakhstan.

Similar to the Garuda, Kazakhstan also have another mythical bird called the
Samruk, showcasing on 10,000 Tenge banknote. Samruk, also known as the
Samruk-Kazyna, is an essential part of Kazakh folklore and culture, representing
prosperity, wealth, and the nation's future.

The Samruk-Kazyna is a legendary bird from Kazakh mythology that is said to lay
golden eggs and guard the Tree of Life, which provides nourishment to the world.
In modern times, Samruk-Kazyna has become a symbol of Kazakhstan's
economic development and wealth. It is also the name of Kazakhstan's wealth
fund, which manages the country's vast oil and gas reserves and invests in
various industries to promote economic growth.

Step Eagle, Samruk and Garuda, Thailand’s national emblem, share many similar
traits. That is all for gift giving part, hopefully these gifts can be a memory of
Thailand and our culture. That is all for gift giving part, next up would be game
time. Stay tuned!