Senator Alongkot Vorakee has proposed amending Thai law to require citizens to stand during the royal anthem, with criminal penalties for non-compliance. The suggestion was made during a Senate session on 24 March, where Alongkot presented findings from a special committee studying ways to protect and uphold the monarchy. Get today's headlines by email The proposal addresses a legal gap in Thailand, where the national anthem is regulated by law and requires citizens to stand, but the royal anthem is not. Alongkot noted incidents in cinemas where some individuals, particularly youths, did not stand during the royal anthem, leading to confrontations and assaults. Those committing the assaults were ultimately subject to legal consequences. Alongkot emphasised the historical significance of the royal anthem, which has been in use since the reign of King Rama V and has largely remained unchanged in lyrics and melody. He pointed out that following the 1932 revolution, Thailand adopted the national anthem and enacted laws governing its use, including a requirement to stand in respect. He highlighted Thailand’s uniqueness in having two national songs, the national anthem and the royal anthem, with only the former explicitly regulated. “Therefore, based on its origins and significance, if senators are to promote respect, there should be legislation similar to that governing the national anthem—requiring people to stand for the royal anthem, with both criminal and financial penalties for non-compliance,” Alongkot said. Experts and observers note that such a law could formalise respect for the monarchy but may also provoke debate over enforcement and civil liberties. The move follows public incidents that have sparked both concern and legal action, underscoring tensions between tradition and individual behaviour in public spaces. Khaosod reported that the next step involves further review and discussion within the Senate, where the proposal may be formally drafted into legislation. Lawmakers will consider both the historical importance of the royal anthem and practical implications for enforcement, before deciding on amendments to existing regulations. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 26 Mar 2026
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