Thai National Anthem – เพลงชาติไทย – pleng châat Thai
When you come to Thailand, sometimes you will see Thai people stand still for a moment at 8 am and 6 pm. Do not wonder why they are standing to respect Thai national anthem.
The national anthem of Thailand was adopted on 10 December 1939. The melody was composed by Phra Jenduriyang (Peter Feit) and the words are by Luang Saranuprapan. เพลงชาติ /Pleng Châat/, literally meaning “national anthem”, it is a general word for the national anthem. เพลงชาติไทย /Pleng Châat 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 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 | Thai transcription |
|---|---|
| ประเทศไทยรวมเลือดเนื้อชาติเชื้อไทย | bprà-têt thai ruam lûat-núa châat chúa thai, |
| เป็นประชารัฐ ไผทของไทยทุกส่วน | bpen bprà-chaa rát, pà-tai khŏrng thai túk sùan, |
| อยู่ดำรงคงไว้ได้ทั้งมวล | yù dam-rong kong wái dâi táng muan, |
| ด้วยไทยล้วนหมาย รักสามัคคี | dûay thai lúan măai, rák săa-mák-kii, |
| ไทยนี้รักสงบ แต่ถึงรบไม่ขลาด | thai ní rák sà-ngòp, dtàe tŭng róp mâi-klàt, |
| เอกราชจะไม่ให้ใครข่มขี่ | èk-gà-râat jà mâi hâi krai kòm kìi, |
| สละเลือดทุกหยาดเป็นชาติพลี | sà-là lûat túk yàat bpen châat plii, |
| เถลิงประเทศชาติไทยทวี มีชัย ชโย | tà-lerng bprà-têt châat thai tá-wii mii chai chá-yo. |
Meaning
- 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).
Hope you enjoy learning Thai
Jang
Thai Language Teacher
(taken from Wikipedia)
