10-Minute Royal Anthem Coming to Cinemas

BANGKOK — A new music video of the Royal Anthem that will be played in cinemas nationwide was approved Tuesday by junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha.

The new version, which will replace the current one shown before films and performances, is 10-minutes long according to producer Chatrichalerm Yukol. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at Sanam Luang on Oct. 22 to sing the anthem for filming, one of the largest public rallies in recent history.

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“The prime minister watched it. He was pleased with it, and he liked it a lot,” Chatrichalerm, a royal descendant who’s produced other films in honor of the monarchy, told reporters at Government House.

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Written in 1913, the song honors the presiding monarch and typically plays before films, concerts and other entertainment events, during which time the audience is asked to stand in respect. The current version pays homage to King Bhumibol, who died on Oct. 13 at 88.

The next step is to submit the video to Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn for approval, the filmmaker said.

The music video will be simultaneously released on television and in cinemas across the country, Chatrichalerm said. There will be only one version of the video, he added.