Thai National Anthem
Template:Short description Template:Infobox anthem
The Thai National Anthem,Template:Efn also simply referred to as the National Anthem,Template:Efn is the national anthem of Thailand. It was officially adopted in its current form on 10 December 1939. It replaced "Sansoen Phra Barami" as the civilian anthem in 1932 (the latter is still used as the royal anthem of Thailand). The melody was composed by Phra Chenduriyang (Peter Feit), and the official lyrics were written by Luang Saranupraphan.
Prior to 1939, when Thailand was internationally known as "Siam", 2 different lyrical versions were used—each one by different authors.
Periodization
| Name | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sansoen Phra Narai (Template:Langx) (Glorify the King Narai) |
1687–1688 | Ayutthaya Kingdom unofficial national anthem |
| Chom Rat Chong Charoen (Template:Langx) (Long Live the Great King) |
1852–1871 | Siamese Rattanakosin period royal anthem and national anthem, introduced by King Mongkut (used the melody of God Save the King) File:God Save the King (1927).ogg |
| Bulan Loi Luean (Template:Langx) (The Floating Moon On the Sky) |
1871–1888 | which was the royal composition of King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II) for use as the new anthem. King Chulalongkorn later ordered Mr.Heutsen, a Dutch bandmaster who served in the Royal Siamese Army, to arrange the song in western style for performing by the military band. According to a research of Sugree Charoensuk, an associate professor from Mahidol University, the melody of this anthem may be the same tune with another anthem named Sansoen Suea Pa (Template:Langx : Tiger Corps Hymn) which was used as the anthem of the Wild Tiger Corps since 1911.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Sansoen Phra Barami (Template:Langx) (Glorify His Prestige) |
1888–1932 Royal anthem since 1932 |
Rattanakosin period national anthem. It became the Royal anthem in 1932. |
| Maha Chai (Template:Langx) (Grand Victory) |
1895 Provisional National Anthem in 1932 |
Other members of the royal family and colours party of the unit colour in slow march |
| Phleng Maha Nimit (Template:Langx) (Grand Vision) |
1934 | |
| Phleng Chat Siam Phleng Chat Thai (Template:Langx) |
1932–1946 1949–present |
After Siamese revolution of 1932, the anthem was classified into 2 factions, Phleng Chat Thai was used as national anthem and Sansoen Phra Barami was still used as royal anthem. In 1939 the country's name was changed from Siam to Thailand and the anthem's lyrics was changed from the words Siam to Thai. |
Historical background
Before 1932
Before 1932, Sansoen Phra Barami (the Royal Anthem) was used as the national anthem of Siam.
After 1932

The anthem was composed a few days after the revolution of 1932 in the tune vaguely similar to the national anthem of Poland, Poland Is Not Yet Lost, and was first broadcast in July 1932. The original lyrics were by Khun Wichitmatra.
Original lyrics

The original lyrics were penned by Khun Wichitmatra under the title "Phleng Chat Sayam" (Template:Langx). It was briefly in use from 1932 to 1934, when the lyrics were modified by Chan Khamwilai.
| Thai original | English translation | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
<poem>Siamese land is renowned as the land of gold.
The Thais have conquered this beautiful land. The Thai people have served it ever since the Ancient times. United, we have defended it In some eras, our foes have attacked us. But the Thais sacrificed their lives to save their motherland. With blood, we fought for our sovereignty And hitherto we have kept Siam alive. This Siamese land is the bulwark of the Thai race Our blood runs through this nation's veins. Independence is like a pagoda we honor<ref group='note' name='lyrics1'/> We will rise and stand as one. To protect our motherland and sovereignty so dear.<ref group='note' name='lyrics2'/> There will be no mercy for those who dishonor it. We shall massacre them until their last. To glorify our great Siamese land, hurrah!</poem> |
First national anthem competition
In 1934, Thai government launched competitions for the official national anthem, for both melody and lyrics. Changwang Tua Phathayakoson (จางวางทั่ว พัทยโกศล) composed a tune in a traditional style called Phleng Maha Nimit, but Phra Chenduriyang's melody was selected because it sounded more modern.
Second national anthem competition
After that, in the competition for the lyrics with Phra Chenduriyang's music, the original words by Khun Wichitmatra took first prize. They were in use until 1939, with a minor edit and an additional version written by second prize winner Chan Khamvilai (ฉันท์ ขำวิไล) adopted in 1934.<ref>Template:Cite journal </ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>History of Thai National anthem from Rakbankerd.comTemplate:Dead link Template:In lang</ref>
Pre–1939 lyrics
The lyrics to "Phlēng chāt Sayām" were changed by Chan Khamwilai, whose version was in use until 1939 when the name of Siam was officially changed to "Thailand".
| Thai original | English translation | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
<poem>Let us all sacrifice our lives
To maintain the rights to freedom the land of Siam That the ancestors tried to fight until their death Eliminate the enemies of Thailand to perish Even though the Thai disaster is inferior But still able to restore the independence back It is an honor to the beautiful Ayutthaya That is not an end to good people. All of us, we are of Thai blood Doesn't allow anyone to oppress us Protect rights and freedom When disaster helped each other until the day of death If we die, the name will be spread That Thailand is firmly in love with the nation Have great friendship for both men and women The glory of Siam will never be lost, Hurrah!</poem> |
Thai Cultural Revolution
Template:Multiple image In 1939, when the name of the country was changed from Siam to Thailand, a competition was launched to create new lyrics, with those by Luang Saranupraphan winning. Thai prime minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram ordered the anthem to be played every day at 08:00 and 18:00 (8 AM and 6 PM), and ordered the populace to stand up to show respect for the nation. Nowadays, the morning and evening anthems correspond to the hoisting and lowering of the national flags in public areas (e.g. schools, workplaces, public buildings), respectively; hence, the anthem is broadcast by both radio and television channels twice per day from 1980's. Template:Clear
Current official version
| Thai original | English translation | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
<poem>The flesh and blood of every Thai united,
This land of Thailand sacred to every Thai! Their sway since days of yore persisted, Love and unity heart of every Thai! Though the Thais love peace, dauntlessly we fight, Our freedom shan't be taken away. We'll sacrifice ourselves with every might, Long live Thailand's glory and victory, hooray!</poem> |
Customs and laws
Respect to the anthem

It is a common social expectation in Thailand for everyone to stop what they are doing and stand at attention to pay homage to the anthem played, which is placed twice a day, at 08:00 and again at 18:00. During the anthem's course, the national flag is also hoisted up (at 08:00) or down (at 18:00) at applicable flag poles. Should there be any occurrence in which the flag is to be hoisted at half-mast, the flag is to be raised the pole's full height first, before being reduced to half-mast (to hoist during the day) or to fully hoist down (for the night).
Students in school assemble before raised flag and sing the national anthem at 08:00 every school day, and students who are late for this assemble are traditionally marked as late. The National Anthem is also played at government offices, especially in military camps and police stations, and also include public spaces such as local bus stations.
According to the practice dates during the Plaek Phibunsongkhram era, those who did not observe the custom by standing in silence during the anthem were subject to a fine of up to 2,000 baht and not more than one year in prison, but this law has since been abolished.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Thus, at present, there is no longer any compulsion to stand upright and respect the national flag. But most people still voluntarily do so.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It is nonetheless still mandatory for military and police personnel to assemble and salute the National Flag and Anthem, as mandated by code of conduct.
In media outlets
| Thai Original | English Translation |
|---|---|
| <poem>Template:Lang</poem> | <poem>The Thai National Flag and Anthem
Are the symbols of Thai Identity Let us, in united volition, rise and show respect to the National Flag In pride of our independent sovereignty And the sacrifice of Thai ancestors</poem> |
In media outlets, right before the national anthem would be played (at designated times), some prelude media are played. These media include a prelude song known as "พม่าประเทศ", or a recital of importance (as listed above), or a time announcement, or any combinations.
Commonly, televisions plays only the recital, and radio channels play all of the above media sets.
See also
- "Sansoen Phra Barami", the Thai national anthem officially used before 1932, and still used as the country's royal anthem.
- Thaification
Notes
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References
External links
Template:Wikisource Template:Wikisource
- Recordings of the National and Royal Anthem of Thailand and others honor musics from Thai Government Public Relations Department
- Thailand: Phleng Chat Thai - Audio of the national anthem of Thailand, with information and lyrics
- เพลงชาติไทย (Thai National Anthem)
- Template:YouTube Template:In lang
- The common music video for the Thai national anthem, made by the Royal Thai Government, which has been adopted by all Thai TV channels since July 2019. The recital of importance is also included.
- English lyrics to the Thai National Anthem
- A website dedicated to information on Thai National Anthem (Thai Language)
Template:Thailand topics Template:National anthems of Asia Template:Authority control