The loyalty and devotion to a nation or ethnic group that places emphasis on promoting the interests, cultural and social values, or religion of one group.
What better way to find out about what the Thais find important to their culture and nation than to decipher the lyrics of their national anthems?
According to a bit of research, the national anthem of Thailand was composed by Peter Feit (Thai name Phra Jenduriyang), 1883-1968, the son of a German immigrant and royal advisor for music, and the words are by contest winner Luang Saranuprapan. The song was officially adopted on 10 December 1939.
Click on the icon to play the music file.
PHLENG CHAT(THAI NATIONAL ANTHEM)
THAI
ประเทศไทยรวมเลือดเนื้อชาติเชื้อไทย
เป็นประชารัฐ ไผทของไทยทุกส่วน
อยู่ดำรงคงไว้ได้ทั้งมวล
ด้วยไทยล้วนหมาย รักสามัคค
ไทยนี้รักสงบ แต่ถึงรบไม่ขลาด
เอกราชจะไม่ให้ใครข่มข
สละเลือดทุกหยาดเป็นชาติพล
เถลิงประเทศชาติไทยทวี มีชัย ชโย
THAI TRANSLITERATION
Prathet Thai Ruam Lueat Nuea 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 Sa-ngop, 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 Cha-yo.
ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS
(1)
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, Hurrah
(2)
Thailand unites its people with flesh and blood.
land of Thailand belongs to the Thais.
long maintained its sovereignty,
Because the Thais have always been united.
Thais are peace-loving,
no cowards at distress.
They shall allow no one to rob them of freedom,
Nor shall they suffer tyranny.
ready to die for freedom, safety and prosperity.
Thailand unites its people with flesh and blood.
land of Thailand belongs to the Thais.
long maintained its sovereignty,
Because the Thais have always been united.
Thais are peace-loving,
no cowards at distress.
They shall allow no one to rob them of freedom,
Nor shall they suffer tyranny.
ready to die for freedom, safety and prosperity.
There is a second anthem, one that was in place before the previous one was adopted in 1932. This one, especially the version played at the cinema at Central Rama II with the orchestra and the choir, sounds very majestic -- I really like it. According to Wikipedia:
The royal anthem is [still] performed during state occasions, as well as when a high-ranking member of the royal family is present for a function. In addition, the royal anthem is still played before the beginning of each film in movie theatres, as well as before the commencement of the first act in plays, musicals, concerts, and most other live performances of music or theatre in Thailand.
Click on the icon to play the music file.
PHLENG SANSOEN PHRA BARAMI(ROYAL ANTHEM)
THAI
ข้าวรพุทธเจ้า
เอามโนและศิรกราน
นบพระภูมิบาล บุญญะดิเรก
เอกบรมจักริน
พระสยามินทร์
พระยศยิ่งยง
เย็นศิระเพราะพระบริบาล
ผลพระคุณ ธ รักษา
ปวงประชาเป็นศุขสานต
ขอบันดาล
ธ ประสงค์ใด
จงสฤษด
ดังหวังวรหฤทัย
ดุจจะถวายชัย ชโย!
THAI TRANSLITERATION
Kha wora Phutthachao
Ao mano lae sira kran
Nop phra phummiban bunyadirek
Ek borommachakkrin
Phra sayamin
Phra yotsa ying yong
Yen sira phro phra boriban
Phon phra khun tha raksa
Puang phracha pen sukkhasan
Kho bandan
Tha prasong dai
Chong sarit
Dang wang wara haruethai
Dut cha thawai chai chayo!
THAI TRANSLATION
I, servant of His Majesty,
Extend my heart and body to his feet,
To pay respect and give praise
To the protector of the country,
To the great Chakri Dynasty,
To the leader of the Siamese people in might and splendor,
The people, in peace and contentment
From his tireless labor and guidance,
Pray, that whatever he wills,
Will come to pass for his glory!
In essence, the anthems talk about patriotism, freedom, veneration towards royalty, and pride in the fact that Thailand has never been colonized. Being on the anthems, it is safe to assume that the things mentioned in the lyrics are ideally what Thais consider of utmost importance. And just in the way the school playground and morning routines are set up, it is definitely true. Coming in to the school, there is large shrine in place for the Royal family:
The Thai people, in general, really love their King. He's a scholar, a philanthropist, and an all around good man. He's given the country a lot. There are things that people cannot do because it's disrespectful to him. Stepping on coins bearing his image or crumpling banknotes are two that we really need to watch out for.
On a side note, what strikes me as very interesting is that the anthems sound more -- for lack of a better term -- imposed, than, say the Canadian anthem. Where as we say "we stand on guard for thee", a rather assertive statement, the Thai anthem states being "ready to die for freedom, safety, and prosperity."
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Thai Royal Anthem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k30lmgHbOX4
"The important thing for the survival of the Thai society is that the majority of those who work, both in the government and the private sector, still strive to work in the same direction; this is why the Thai nation still stands."
- Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej, current King of Thailand
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