The Red Unnahlohm Society of Siam, i.e. the forerunner of the Thai Red Cross Society (fig.), was founded on 26 April 1893, during the Franco-Siamese War in the reign of King Chulalongkorn, i.e. Rama V (fig.).

The King's consort, Queen Sawang Watthana (fig.), who is also known as Sri Savarindira, was the organization's first president. The society initially only dispatched medical supplies, food and clothing to the soldiers engaged in defending the country, and aided to alleviate the suffering of the injured, and hence was named after the yan-like (fig.) insignia (fig.) worn on the cap of the soldiers of those days (fig.), which it incorporated in its logo (fig.) and also appeared on its flag (fig.).

Underneath the flag, seen here on display, are the names and photos of the royal members involved in the organization, which since its foundation traditionally has had successive queens as its president. At this temporary exhibition, the staff is dressed in outfits of the era.