Be you a tourist or an ex-pat, a little Thai knowledge is always useful, so today I will introduce you to the Thai Royal and National Anthems. You have probably noticed already that the Thais are extremely patriotic, hence the anthems are an integral part of life in Thailand, you can spare yourself any embarrassment or “loss of face” by familiarizing yourself with both the Thai National Anthem (Phleng Chat Thai) and the Thai Royal Anthem (Sansoen Phra Barami).
The National Anthem is played twice every day on national T.V, first at 0800 and later at 1800. If you are in a public place or at an event you may notice the crowds stand up to pay respect, you should follow suit.
The Thai Royal Anthem is played at cinemas before a movie starts, it is also played on the commencement of any major events including concerts and sporting events. It is important that you stand up for the duration of the Royal Anthem.
The National Anthem of Thailand. (Phleng Chat Thai)
Pra thet thai ruam luead nu’a chat chu’a thai
Pen pra cha rat pha thai kho’ng thai thuk suan
Yu dam rong khong wai dai thang muan
Duay thai luan mai rak sa mak khi
Thai ni rak sa ngop tae thu’ng rop mai khlat
Ek ka raj ja mai hai khrai khom khi
Sa la luead thuk yat pen chat p’hli
Tha loeng pra thet chat thai tha wi mi chai ch’yo
Thai National Anthem (translated to English).
Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood.
Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.
It has long maintained its sovereignty,
Because the Thais have always been united.
The Thai people are peace-loving,
But they are no cowards at war.
They shall allow no one to rob them of their independence,
Nor shall they suffer tyranny.
All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood
For the nation’s safety, freedom and progress.
The Thai Royal Anthem (Sansoen Phra Barami).
Kha Wora Phuttha Chao
Ao Mano Lae Sira Kran
Nop Phra Phummi Ban Bunya Direk
Ek Boromma Chakkrin
Phra Sayamin
Phra Yotsa Ying Yong
Yen Sira Phro Phra Bori Ban
Phon Phra Khun Tha Raksa
Puang Pracha Pen Sukkha San
Kho Bandan
Tha Prasong Dai
Chong Sarit Dang
Wang Wora Haruethai
Dut Cha Thawai Chai Chayo
The Thai Royal Anthem (translated to English).
We, servants of His great Majesty,
prostrate our heart and head,
to pay respect to the ruler, whose merits are boundless,
outstanding in the great Chakri dynasty,
the greatest of Siam,
with great and lasting honor,
(We are) secure and peaceful because of your royal rule,
results of king cure
(is) people in happiness and in peace,
May it be that
whatever you will,
be done
according to the hopes of your great heart
as we wish (you) victory, hurrah!
I sourced this information from Wikipedia, you can find more detailed information there by going to the National Anthem of Thailand, or the Royal Anthem of Thailand on Wikipedia.