Thai National Anthem

Phleng Chat

English: National Song "Phleng Chat" will play when raising the flag of Thailand at 8.00 a.m. and when lowering it at 6.00 p.m. everyday.
National Anthem of	Thailand
Lyrics	Luang Saranupraphan, 1939
Music	Peter Feit, 1932
Adopted	1939 (with current lyrics)

The national anthem of Thailand was adopted on 10 December 1939. The melody was composed by Peter Feit and the words are by Luang Saranuprapan. Phleng Chat (Thai: เพลงชาติ), literally meaning "national song", is a general word for national anthem. Phleng Chat Thai (Thai: เพลงชาติไทย), Thailand's national anthem, is also used to refer to this specific song.

The anthem was composed a few days after the 1932 coup in the very similar tune to the national anthem of France, La Marseillaise, and was first broadcast in July 1932. The original lyrics were by Khun Wichitmatra.

In 1934, Thai Government launched the competitions for the official national anthem, both with music and lyrics. For the music, Jangwang Tua Patayakosol composed another tune in a more traditional style called "Phleng Maha Nimit" for making the decision to the government but they still selected Phra Jenduriyang's melody because it sounded more modern. After that, in the competition for the lyrics with Phra Jenduriyang's music, the original words by Khun Wichitmatra won the first prize and still used as an official lyrics with, however, a minor edit and an additional version which wrote by Chan Khamvilai and won the second prize.^[1][2][3]

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 Saranuprapan winning. Prime minister Phibunsongkhram ordered the anthem to be played every day at 8.00 and 18.00, and ordering the populace to stand up to show respect for the nation. That law is still in force today.

Thai lyrics and transcription

English translation

Thailand unites flesh and blood of Thais.

Nation of the people; belonging to the Thais in every respect.

Long maintained [has been] the independence

Because the Thais seek, and love, unity.

Thais are peace-loving;

But at war we're no cowards.

Sovereignty will not be threatened

Sacrificing every drop of blood for the nation

Hail the nation of Thailand, long last the victory, Hurrah

Second English translation

Thailand unites its people with flesh and blood.

land of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

long maintained its sovereignty,

Because the Thais have always been united.

thais are peace-loving,

no cowards at distress.

They shall allow no one to rob them of freedom,

Nor shall they suffer tyranny.

ready to die for freedom, safety and prosperity.

See also

• Phleng Sansoen Phra Barami (Thai national anthem before 1932, still use as the royal anthem)

References

1. ↑ ความเป็นมาของเพลงชาติไทยปัจจุบัน by Somsak Jiamthirasakul (in Thai language, from TU Journal, Years 27, Volume 1, December 2004)
2. ↑ History of Thai National anthem from Banfun.com (in Thai language)
3. ↑ History of Thai National anthem from Rakbankerd.com (in Thai language)

External links

• Various recordings of the National and Royal Anthem of Thailand and others honorary songs (vocal & instrumental) from Thai Government Public Relations Department
• 100 firsts that shaped Bangkok - 77 - The national anthem