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" in 1932, which remains as the royal anthem of Thailand. The melody was composed by Phra Chenduriyang (Peter Feit), and the official lyrics were written by Luang Saranupraphan. Prior to 1939, when Thailand was then known as "Siam", two different lyrical versions were used—each one by different authors.

Periodization

Historical background

Before 1932

Before 1932, Sansoen Phra Barami (the Royal Anthem) 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 "Phlēng chāt Sayām". It was briefly in use from 1932 to 1934, when the lyrics were modified by Chan Khamwilai.

First national anthem competition

In 1934, Thai government launched competitions for the official national anthem, for both melody and lyrics. Changwang Tua Phathayakoson (จางวางทั่ว พัทยโกศล) 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 (ฉันท์ ขำวิไล) 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 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 (8 AM and 6 PM), 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 (e.g. schools, workplaces, public buildings), respectively; hence, the anthem is broadcast by both radio and television channels twice per day from 1980's.

Current official version

Current usages

According to the practice dates from 1939s during the Plaek Phibunsongkhram era and The Flag Act of 1979, Thais must stop what they are doing and stand at attention to pay homage to the anthem played by all Thai media outlets, twice a day, at 08:00 and again at 18:00. Students in school stand in front of the raised flag and sing the national anthem at 08:00 every school day, while those who do not observe the custom by standing in silence during the anthem are subject to a fine of up to 2,000 baht and not more than one year in prison. At present, there is no longer any compulsion to stand upright and respect the national flag. But most people choose to stand upright and respect the national flag voluntarily.