In mid September The Thai Government launched a national unity project. The project has involved the public singing of the Thai national anthem at a gathering in each province starting in Krabi and culminating on the birthday of HM the King in Bangkok on 5th December 2009.
The public singing of the national anthem along with a short, two minute documentary on famous people from each province, continues to be aired on Thai TV at 6pm each evening. Normally the anthem is played at 8am and 6pm each day on all media outlets in Thailand.
While this is old news in one sense I thought I might add some comment today as the project nears its conclusion.
So why did the Thai government feel the need for this project, in a country where failing to stand for the playing of the national anthem is considered a deep insult to Thailand and the Monarchy anyway?
Political commentators might well point out that the current government is hardly popular and this is merely a way of tapping into the Thai peoples national pride in their country and King. A smoke screen perhaps, to focus the nation away from day to day political strife. Well I don't know about that but coming from a constitutional monarchy myself I can identify with the pride I have in the Royal Family of my own country and the national anthem.
When I was a kid the anthem was always played at the end of a movie, theatre performance and sporting events. Nothing wrong with that in my opinion. Being somewhat Royalist in my thinking I suppose its natural.
Incidentally I quite like the words and music to the Thai national anthem and Doy and I often join in at the 6pm slot. Quite what a visitor to our home would make of us is of course another matter. Remember I'm tone deaf and tongue tied in Thailand.
But what about the Thai national unity project. Do you think its a good idea? What about national anthems in general. Does your country air it regularly like the Thais? What do you think about that?
By the way, just a word of caution, if you are ever in Thailand and the Thai national anthem is played, please stop what you are doing and stand. Apart from showing respect, you will avoid conflict with those around you and stay on the right side of the law which is something a Thai citizen didn't do in April 2008.
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4 comments:
This is timely for me, Mike. It is Amnat Charoen's turn tomorrow (or was it today?) but I told Pensri I wasn't going and she didn't seem at all put out.
I'm afraid most mornings we play badminton through the anthem, but then the traffic going past our house doesn't stop.
The overnight train to Ubon always used to be scheduled to arrive at 7.55 am which often meant straddling the carriage and the platform holding a heavy case.
I remember the nat anthem being played in cinemas in UK, and yes that was at the end of talking movies. Most people tried to get out before the opening bars had finished. Not a very edifying sight so it was sensible to stop it. Being contrary sort of people, I think we Brits like the monarchy better without too much of that sort of thing.
I am not sure if the event has happened in Prachuap yet. I would go, if only for the photo op.
I think most Brits still have a soft spot for the monarchy. I met Princess Anne once when I was working for Victim Support and I was most impressed-despite her reputation.
I guess there might be a section of the Thai community that ind the whole thing a bit stage managed.
Hi Mike,
I think it's a very good idea. We have a soft spot here as well for the monarchy, and the Crown Princess Victoria's birthday is celebrated with a public stage show where her royal highness participate. And of course everybody knows the national hymn and sing it enthusiastically.
I think a national hymn is a celebration to our country and for us to be proud of our nationality.
Best regards
Asta
Asta-I thought Sweden would be similar. I quite like the European Royalty and tradition. Thailand is fairly unique for Asia.
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