The name "Ratchaburi" translates to "The City of the King," symbolizing the province's historical prestige. Ratchaburi is one of Thailand's oldest cities, with evidence of human settlement along the Mae Klong River dating back thousands of years. Archaeologists have uncovered artifacts and ancient remains, indicating that people have lived in the area since the Middle Stone Age. Furthermore, the discovery of Dvaravati-period ruins in Khu Bua subdistrict, Mueang Ratchaburi District, signifies the city’s prominence during early civilizations in Thailand.

During the late Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin periods, Ratchaburi was a critical frontier city. King Rama I, founder of the Chakri Dynasty, once served as a governor there before ascending to the throne. Throughout its history, Ratchaburi has been a strategic stronghold, especially during wars with Burma. It served as a key battleground, particularly during the significant Nine Armies’ War in King Rama I’s reign, where troops gathered in Ratchaburi for defense.

In 1820, King Rama II ordered the construction of a new city wall along the Mae Klong River’s left bank, establishing the location that would eventually become the provincial center. Later, under King Rama V, a provincial reorganization led to the formation of Ratchaburi Monthon, grouping Ratchaburi with nearby cities, including Kanchanaburi, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, Pranburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. The Ratchaburi administrative headquarters was situated on the west bank of the Mae Klong River. In 1897, the government merged local administration with the monthon headquarters, consolidating all administrative functions on the river’s west side. When the monthon system was abolished in 1933, Ratchaburi retained its status as a province.

Provincial Emblem and Symbolism

The original provincial emblem of Ratchaburi featured a round shield displaying the mountainous “Khao Ngu” (Snake Mountain) with floodwaters in the foreground, symbolizing Ratchaburi’s natural landscape. This symbol was widely recognized, but by 1966, it was deemed to lack direct representation of the province’s regal name, which means “City of the King.” Consequently, a new emblem was commissioned from the Department of Fine Arts.

The new design, created by Mr. Pinij Suwanboony, featured symbols of royal power: the “Phra Saeng Khan Chai Si” (Royal Sword of Victory) and the “Chalong Phra Baht” (Royal Sandals) set upon a jeweled base. The emblem’s artistic details drew inspiration from the historic flag that King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) presented to the Wild Tiger Corps of Ratchaburi in 1924. Today, this flag is preserved at Benchamarachuthit School in Ratchaburi.

On June 9, 1966, the Provincial Council of Ratchaburi officially approved the new emblem, which has remained the province's symbol to this day.