The national anthem of Thailand was adopted on 10 December 1939. The melody was composed by Phra Jenduriyang (Peter Feit) and the words are by Luang Saranuprapan. Phleng Chat (Thai: เพลงชาติ), literally meaning "national anthem", is a general word for national anthem. Phleng Chat Thai (Thai: เพลงชาติไทย), Thailand's national anthem, is also used to refer to this specific song.
The anthem was composed a few days after the 1932 coup in the very similar tune 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.
In 1934, the Thai Government launched a competition for the official national anthem, both with music and lyrics. For the music, Jangwang Tua Patayakosol composed another tune in a more traditional style called "Phleng Maha Nimit" but the government selected Phra Jenduriyang's melody because it sounded more modern. After that, in the competition for the lyrics with Phra Jenduriyang's music, the original words by Khun Wichitmatra won the first prize and are still used as an official lyrics, however, with a minor edit and an additional version which was written by Chan Khamvilai and won the second prize.
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 Saranuprapan winning. Prime minister Phibunsongkhram ordered the anthem to be played every day at 8.00 and 18.00, and ordered the population to stand up to show respect for the nation. That law is still in force today.
Here are three English Translations:
| First English translation | Second English translation | Third English translation |
| Thailand unites flesh and blood of Thais, | Thailand unites its people with flesh and blood, | Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood , |
| Nation of the people; belonging to the Thais in every respect. | Land of Thailand belongs to the Thais. | Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais. |
| Long maintained [has been] the independence, | Long maintained its sovereignty, | It has long maintained its sovereignty, |
| Because the Thais seek, and love, unity. | All Thais intend to unite together. | Because the Thais have always been united. |
| Thais are peace-loving, But at war we're no cowards. | Thais are peace-loving, no cowards at distress. | The Thai people are peace-loving, But they are no cowards at war. |
| Sovereignty will not be threatened. | They shall allow no one to rob them of freedom. | Nor shall they suffer tyranny. |
| They will sacrifice every drop of their blood to contribute to the nation, | Sacrificing every drop of blood for the nation, | All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood , |
| Hail the nation of Thailand, long last the victory, Hurrah. | They will serve their country with pride and prestige, full of victory. Chai Yo (Cheers). | For the nation's safety, freedom and progress. |
And here is the Anthem with English sub-titles:
Life in Amazing Thailand! 