What is proper protocol regarding national anthems?
• Anthem protocol varies from country to country. Some countries have laws regulating respect for the anthem, some don’t. I hope to present a partial list here of some of the various anthem regulations in the world, followed by general guidelines to follow, regardless of the country you happen to live in. • Thailand: In Thailand, the anthem is played at 8:00 in the morning and 6:00 in the evening every day, to respect the country and the sovereign. Sometimes the national anthem would come on in the middle of a television broadcast and patriotic images are shown, the anthem is given top priority. In movie theatres, patriotic images are shown between the trailer and main feature, and the royal anthem is played. In all these situations, standing and observing silence is mandated. • St. Lucia: The government of St. Lucia has outlined protocol for the anthem on its website. Among the points stated are that upon playing of the anthem, people should come to attention, and civilian men should
