Abstract: The Vector Form Intrinsic Finite Element (VFIFE) is a new analysis method based on point value description and vector mechanics theory. Based on fundamental principles of the VFIFE, the basic formulas of a triangular DKT thin-plate element are derived. The procedure for the determination of pure nodal deformation by dealing with both in-plane and out-of-plane rigid body displacements through a reverse movement is elaborated, and the method for the calculation of internal nodal forces through a deformation coordinate system is presented. Feasible approaches are also proposed for several special issues of a thin-plate element, including the mass matrix and inertia matrix of a particle, the numerical integration and interpolation method in stress calculation, and the rational value of time step and damping parameter. On this basis, the computer program of a triangular DKT thin-plate element is developed and numerical examples are provided. It has been shown that both static and dynamic analyses can be well performed for plate structures by the developed program, verifying the validity of the theoretical derivation and the reliability of the computer program. Results from this study lay a necessary foundation for the further development of a thin-shell VFIFE element.