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 (), literally meaning "national anthem", is a general word for national anthem.
Phleng Chat Thai (), 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.
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, Chai Yo (Cheers).
Second English translation
Thailand unites its people with flesh and blood.
land of Thailand belongs to the Thais.
long maintained its sovereignty,
no cowards at distress.
They shall allow no one to rob them of freedom,
Nor shall they suffer tyranny.
ready to die for freedom, unsafety and prosperity.
See also