National Anthem Etiquette in Thailand: 8am, 6pm, Cinemas

Every day at 08:00 and 18:00, Thailand's national anthem (เพลงชาติpleeng-châat) plays on TV and radio and over loudspeakers in parks, stations and other public places, and people stop and stand still until it ends, about a minute later. Visitors are expected to do the same. In cinemas, everyone also stands for the royal anthem before the film.

What to do when the anthem plays

• Stop where you are and stand still, arms by your sides: Thais call it ยืนตรงyuuen-dtrong, "standing straight".
• Pause your conversation and let the phone call wait a minute.
• If you're sitting on a bench in a park or a square, stand up like everyone around you.
• When the music ends, life simply carries on.

The most famous place to see it is Bangkok's Lumphini Park, where joggers freeze mid-stride at six in the evening. You'll also hear it at train stations, markets and government offices, and every school day starts with it, as students line up and the flag (ธงชาติtong-châat) is raised.

Before a film: the royal anthem

In cinemas, a short film honouring the King plays before the movie, set to the royal anthem, เพลงสรรเสริญพระบารมีpleeng sǎn-sǒen prá-baa-rá-mii. The whole audience stands until it ends, so stand with them. You'll also hear it at royal ceremonies and some official events.

The monarchy is deeply revered in Thailand and protected by strict laws. Treat the royal anthem, the King, whom Thais call ในหลวงnai-lǔang, and images of the royal family with respect: don't joke about them, and never stop a rolling coin or a banknote with your foot, because they carry the King's portrait.

What the anthem says

The melody was written in 1932 and the words in 1939, the year Siam became Thailand. It's a hymn to the unity, peace and independence of the Thai people, and it ends with the cheer ชโยchá-yoo, "hooray!". You can learn it line by line in the Songs section.

Words you'll hear

The anthem plays at แปดโมงเช้าbpàet moong cháao (8 a.m.) and หกโมงเย็นhòk moong yen (6 p.m.), two of the Thai time expressions you'll learn in Unit 14 of the free course, where the topic is the Thai clock and your daily routine.