The Cabinet, during its meeting on 18 November 2025, approved the designation of native Thai cats a national symbol of Thailand, based on the recommendations from the National Identity Board.

The Cabinet heard a report that the National Identity Board on 21 March 2025 had decided to propose that Thai cats be designated a national symbol in the pet category. The decision was based on historical and genetic studies, with evidence showing that Thai cats possess unique physical and behavioral traits clearly different from other breeds.

Thai cats have been an integral part of Thai society for centuries, relating to the Thai way of life, beliefs, culture, and local wisdom. They are also recognized internationally as special breeds and have become popular worldwide. Foreign breeders have reportedly attempted to register native Thai cats to set breed standards.

Today, only five native Thai cat breeds still exist. They include supharak (copper cat), khorat (si sawat cat), wichianmat (Siamese cat), koncha (black cat), and khao mani (white jewel cat).

The National Identity Board was of the view that the public sector should announce Thai cats a national pet symbol in order to preserve and protect Thailand’s ownership of native breeds, as well as creating opportunities to increase economic value through the creative economy associated with Thai cats. This will also promote the raising of more native Thai cats. The move was also agreed upon by the Ministry of Culture.

From 1964 to 2024, the Cabinet had approved several national symbols in various cultural dimensions. For instance, chang Thai (Thai elephant), as the national animal, Siamese fighting fish as the national aquatic animal, the naga as the national mythical creature, and the wai gesture as a national identity for greetings and displays of respect.