In Thailand, there is a strong current of enforced nationalism which is most evident in the public playing of the national anthem, or pleng chat (เพลงชาติ) twice a day, and the required standing and observance. A friend said that she was asked recently by the kids she works with when we sing and hear the national anthem in America. All she could come up with was at sporting events and sometimes at school concerts. But here in Thailand, the national anthem is a constant part of my life, I overhear it coming from my neighbors’ televisions at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.. If I’m at the bus station it comes on, everyone stops and stands and the students sing it every morning. So I thought I would give you readers a taste of the anthem here and what the words mean.
| ประเทศไทยรวมเลือดเนื้อชาติเชื้อไทยเป็นประชารัฐ ไผทของไทยทุกส่วน
อยู่ดำรงคงไว้ได้ทั้งมวล ด้วยไทยล้วนหมาย รักสามัคคี ไทยนี้รักสงบ แต่ถึงรบไม่ขลาด เอกราชจะไม่ให้ใครข่มขี่ สละเลือดทุกหยาดเป็นชาติพลี เถลิงประเทศชาติไทยทวี มีชัย ชโย |
Prathet thai ruam lueatnuea chat chuea thai,Pen pracha rat, phathai khong thai thuk suan,
Yu damrong khong wai dai thang muan, duai thai luan mai, rak samakkhi, thai ni rak sangop, tae thueng rop mai khlat, Ekkarat cha mai hai khrai khom khi, Sala lueat thuk yat pen chat phali, Thaloeng prathet chat thai thawi, mi chai, chayo! |
Thailand unites the flesh and blood of all the Thais,The land of Thailand belongs to all the Thais,
Their sovereignty has always long endured, For the Thais seek love and also unity, Thais love peace you know, but to war they’ll go, No tyrant can their freedoms take away, The Thais will give up every drop of blood, Long last the nation’s pride and victory HOORAY. |
After the coup in 1932, which established Thailand as a constitutional monarchy, there was a contest for new national anthem. The melody, by Phra Jenduriyang, was chosen because of its modern sound.
After selecting the melody, another contest was held for the lyrics, and the lyrics that were originally written for the first draft of an anthem immediately after the coup by Khun Wichitmatra were selected.
However, in 1939, when the name of the country was changed from Siam to Thailand, there was another contest held for new lyrics, which are still used, written by Luang Saranuprapan. It was after this iteration that a law was passed requiring the playing of the anthem everyday at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
If you come to visit Thailand, and want to get a taste of Thai nationalism, I recommend going to the bus or train station at 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to hear the anthem and see the reverence that is instilled for it. Just don’t forget to stand, as well!