National Symbols: National Anthem

"Phleng Chat Thai" ("National Anthem of Thailand")

Date of Adoption: December 10, 1939

Music by: Phra Jenduriyang (Peter Feit)

Lyrics by: Luang Saranupraphan

Thailand has both a royal anthem and national anthem. The national anthem was created just after the 1932 coup, when the coup leaders desired a rousing new song for the country. The selected musical score was created by Phra Jenduriyang (also known as Peter Feit), the son of a German immigrant and royal adviser for music. Lyricist Khun Wichitmatra created the text, and the song premiered in July 1932.

In 1939, when the country changed its name from Siam to Thailand, a competition was launched for new lyrics, which Luang Saranuprapan won with “Phleng Chat Thai.” A government order holds that the national anthem must be played every day at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., when citizens must stand to show respect.

Another song, "Phleng Sansasoen Phra Barami" (“A Salute to the Monarch”), was adopted as the country's royal anthem in 1888 and is still in use today. The score's composer may have been Russian musician Pyotr Schurovsky, but other musicians are also given credit. The lyrics were written by Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs in 1913 and subsequently revised by King Rama VI. The Thai royal anthem is performed during state occasions and public meetings, as well as when high-ranking members of the royal family are present. The royal anthem was also the national anthem until Thailand's 1932 coup. In 2006 there was an attempt to make the royal anthem the official national anthem and to reclassify "Phleng Chat" as the "national song," but there was public outcry over the move, and the idea was dropped.

Thai Lyrics (Thai Script)

Transliteration

Pra thet thai ruam luead nu'a chat chu'a thai
Pen pra cha rat pha thai kho'ng thai thuk suan
Yu dam rong khong wai dai thang muan
Duay thai luan mai rak sa mak khi
Thai ni rak sa ngop tae thu'ng rop mai khlat
Ek ka raj ja mai hai khrai khom khi
Sa la luead thuk yat pen chat p'hli
Tha loeng pra thet chat thai tha wi mi chai ch'yo

English Translation

Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood.
Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.
It has long maintained its sovereignty,
Because the Thais have always been united.
The Thai people are peace-loving,
But they are no cowards at war.
They shall allow no one to rob them of their independence,
Nor shall they suffer tyranny.
All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood
For the nation's safety, freedom, and progress.

Royal: "Phleng Sansasoen Phra Barami" ("A Salute to the Monarch")

Thai Lyrics (Thai Script)

Transliteration

Kha Wora Phutthachao,
Ao Mano Lae Sira Kran,
Nop Phra Phumiban Bunya Direk,
Ek Baromma Chakkrin Phra Saya Min,
Phra Yotsa Ying Yon,
Yen Sira Phrao Phra Boriban,
Phon Phra Khun Tha Raksa,
Puang Pracha Pensuk San Kho Bandan,
Phra Prasong Dai, Chong Sarit Dang,
Wang Wora Harue Thai, Dut Thawai Chai, Chai-Yo.

English Translation

We, Your Majesty's loyal subjects,
Pay homage with deep heartfelt veneration,
To the supreme Protector of the Realm,
The mightiest of monarchs complete with transcendent virtues,
Under whose benevolent rule, we your subjects,
Receive protection and happiness,
Prosperity and peace.
And we wish that whatsoever Your Majesty may desire,
The same may be fulfilled.