Thousands of patriotic Thais gathered to honour soldiers and the country on the 108th Thai National Flag Day.

Troops and civilians gathered at the Ancient Siam museum park in Samut Prakan on September 28 to mark the day King Rama VI introduced the nation's tricolour flag back in 1917.

Footage shows soldiers marching with the flags of all 77 Thai provinces before the world's largest Thai flag, measuring 34 by 63 metres (111 by 206 feet), was unfurled. Seventy-seven saplings were later planted to symbolise 'the unity and abundance of Thailand'.

General Sawat Thatsana, senate chairman of the Military and Security Committee, said: ‘The event was held to reflect the shared mission of all parties in strengthening national security and revering the monarchy institute, which is the spiritual centre of the entire Thai nation.'

Major General Winthai Suwaree, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, added: ‘Seeing people of all ages, especially the youth, come to show their patriotic spirit is clear evidence that love for the nation remains deeply rooted in the hearts of the Thai people.

‘This event is an important historical moment that will awaken a sense of pride and continue Thailand's honour, allowing the country to once again prosper as it did in the past as Siam.'

Major General Nat Sri-in, deputy commander of the 2nd Army Region, eased public fears over border tensions with Cambodian border, saying Thailand is committed to peaceful relations but 'will allow Cambodia to make its choice'.

Thailand and Cambodia have been fighting for more than a century over several undemarcated sections of their 817-kilometre (508-mile) border, which was originally mapped by France in 1907 while Cambodia was still its protectorate.

But tensions flared in the long-disputed frontier as both accused each other of instigating violence on July 24, which killed at least 48 and temporarily displaced some 300,000 on both sides of the border.

Cambodia claimed responsibility for an alleged war crime, firing rockets into Thailand that struck a gas station, killing a number of children.

The two nations have reached a shaky truce following talks facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).