National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇹🇭 Thailand

The national anthem of Thailand is called: « Phleng Chat Thai ».

Continent: Asia

Bordering Countries:
🇰🇭 Cambodia
🇱🇦 Lao People’s Democratic Republic
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇲🇲 Myanmar

History of « Phleng Chat Thai »

« Phleng Chat Thai » (National Anthem of Thailand) is the national anthem of Thailand. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its sovereignty, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1932: The music for « Phleng Chat Thai » was composed by Phra Chenduriyang (Peter Feit), a Thai composer of German descent, following the Siamese revolution of 1932 which transformed the country from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
  • 1939: The lyrics were written by Luang Saranupraphan, a prominent Thai writer, and were officially adopted in 1939 when the country’s name was changed from Siam to Thailand.

Anecdotes

  • Revolutionary Change: The anthem was composed in the wake of the 1932 revolution, symbolizing the new era of constitutional monarchy and the aspirations of the Thai people for progress and unity.
  • Name Change: The adoption of the lyrics in 1939 coincided with the official change of the country’s name from Siam to Thailand, reflecting a renewed sense of national identity and pride.
  • Cultural Significance: « Phleng Chat Thai » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Thai people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Thais.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Thai

ประเทศไทยรวมเลือดเนื้อชาติเชื้อไทย
เป็นประชารัฐ ไผทของไทยทุกส่วน
อยู่ดำรงคงไว้ได้ทั้งมวล
ด้วยไทยล้วนหมาย รักสามัคคี

ไทยนี้รักสงบ แต่ถึงรบไม่ขลาด
เอกราชจะไม่ให้ใครข่มขี่
สละเลือดทุกหยาดเป็นชาติพลี
เถลิงประเทศชาติไทยทวี มีชัย ชโย

In English (translation)

Thailand unites the flesh and blood of all Thais,
It is the nation of the Thai people, belonging to all of us.
Maintaining it in full, with all its might,
Because the Thais are determined to love and be united.

Thais are peace-loving, but not cowards in war,
They will never let anyone threaten their independence.
They will sacrifice every drop of blood for the nation,
To glorify Thailand, with victory, hurrah!

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