Thai National Anthem

The Thai National Anthem, also simply referred to as the National Anthem, 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 melody was composed by Phra Chenduriyang, 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.

Historical background

Before 1932

Before 1932, Sansoen Phra Barami 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". It was briefly in use from 1932 to 1934, when the lyrics were modified by Chan Khamwilai.

Thai original

English translation

First national anthem competition

In 1934, Thai government launched competitions for the official national anthem, for both melody and lyrics. Changwang Tua Phathayakoson 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 adopted in 1934.

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

Thai Cultural Revolution

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, 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, respectively; hence, the anthem is broadcast by both radio and television channels twice per day from 1980's.

Current official version

Thai original

English translation

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 or down 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 or to fully hoist down.
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. Thus, at present, there is no longer any compulsion to stand upright and respect the national flag. But most people still voluntarily do so. 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

In media outlets, right before the national anthem would be played, some prelude media are played. These media include a prelude song known as "พม่าประเทศ", or a recital of importance, or a time announcement, or any combinations.
Commonly, television stations play only the recital, and radio channels play all of the above media sets.