Classic Thai songs we know and love
A few months ago when self-isolation was in full-force, what brought me joy was just laying in bed and listening to my favourite songs on repeat. Now with all of us beginning to adapt to life amid the pandemic, it’s time to learn how to enjoy ourselves more at home – even if that means bringing activities like karaoke sessions that usually happen outside into our own homes.
With this playlist of iconic Thai songs, it’s time to memorise and learn some dance moves to pump up the mood during your next hangout. And if you don’t plan on singing it to anyone – then these are perfect for singing in the shower.
Keep score of how many songs you’ve heard already to see how Thai you are!
Also read:
https://thesmartlocal.com/thailand/thai-love-songs/
1. Lao Soo Gan Fung (Tell me) – Bird Thongchai
Self-isolation separated you from your friends, family, or your beloved one. If you’ve still not gotten the chance to reunite with those who live far away, sing them this song by one of Thailand’s most beloved superstars to show how much you’re missing them.
Lyrics: เธอลำบากอะไรไหม เธอสู้ไหวหรือเปล่า อย่าลืมเล่าสู่กันฟัง
Translation: Are there any problems? Can you get through it? Don’t hesitate to tell me, I’m always here for you
Pronunciation: Tur Lumbahk A-rai Mai, Tur Soo Wai Rue Plao, Yah Leum Lao Soo Gan Fung
2. Saht-Tah (Belief) – Hin Lek Fai
It’s no surprise that 2020 has left us quite dispirited. But, it’s not the time to give up – especially not when you have the belief that things will get better.
If COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in your works, belt this song to the best of your abilities to give yourself the push you need.
Lyrics: ใจสู้หรือเปล่า ไหวไหมบอกมา โอกาสของผู้กล้า ศรัทธาไม่มีท้อ
Translation: Are you fighting (with it)? Are you okay? Believe in yourself, there’s always opportunities for the brave
Pronunciation: Jai Soo Rue Plao, Wai Mai Bohk Ma, O-Kard Kong Poo Kla, Saht-Tah Mai Me Tor
Not only does this song motivate people in real life, but it was also featured in one of the well-loved movies in Thailand, Saeb Sanit Sit Sainah. This cover version might put a smile on your face if you’ve already watched the movie.
3. Kor Hai Muen Derm (Be The Same) – BUDOKAN
Distance and time are huge factors in relationship, and Budokan knows what’s up. This classic encourages fans to not be shaken by those 2 obstacles, even if it feels harder to love with them in the way.
Creep these lyrics in to show your S.O. how much they mean to you in these tough times.
Lyrics: ไม่ต้องรักจนชั่วนิรันดร์ ตราบที่ฉันนั้นยังหายใจ ขอให้เหมือนเดิม
Translation: You don’t have to love me forever, but when I’m still alive, be the same (love me as you always do)
Pronunciation: Mai Tong Rak Chon Chua Ni-Ran, Trab Tee Chan Nan Yang Hai Jai, Kor Hai Muen Derm
4. Chai Loey ([You’re] Just Right) – Tai Thanawut
Falling in love during quarantine might have been the worst time for matters of the heart, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. From texting to virtual dates, 2020 has proven that technology is key for keeping up with our loved ones. And if you’re someone who is in a budding romance amid COVID-19, send over some love through Tai Thanawut’s bop that says everything is just right in this moment.
Lyrics: อย่าสวยไปกว่านั้น อย่าหวานไปกว่านี้ สรุปว่าพอดีกับใจฉันเลย ใช่เลย
Translation: Don’t be prettier, don’t be sweeter, you’re just right for me, (you’re) just right
Pronunciation: Yah Suay Pai Gwa Nun, Yah Whan Pai Gwa Nee, Sa-Roop Wah Por Dee Gup Jai Chun Loey, Chai Loey
5. Rak Pen Chen Dai (What Is Love Like?) – Sib Lor
No one seems to know the answer to the age old question: What is love?
Sib Lor can’t seem to find the answers either, stating in this energetic bop that love can’t be defined. So while your heart is racing and your blood is rushing in the name of love, this is the song to tell your special someone that you’re just so in love – despite self-isolation, curfews, and quarantines.
If you’re a singleton wondering what the feeling is even all about, then feel free to shout out these lyrics too.
Lyrics: อยากจะถามรักเป็นเช่นใดกันเล่า รักเป็นเช่นใดหนอ ถามใครไม่มีใครตอบ แค่อยากจะรู้ว่ารักเป็นเช่นใด
Translation: I want to ask what love is like, what is love like? Whoever I ask, no one answers, I just want to know what love is like
Pronunciation: Yahk Ja Tahm Ruk Pen Chen Dai Gun Lao, Ruk Pen Chen Dai Nor, Tahm Krai Mai Mee Krai Torb, Kae Yahk Ja Roo Wah Ruk Pen Chen Dai
6. Yahk Rong Dang Dang (Want To Shout Out Loud) – Palmy
Not being able to head outside and meet people might have been a damper on things, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your happiness. This song is a fun one to literally shout out loud – just make sure you’re not disturbing your neighbours.
Lyrics: อยากจะร้องดังดัง พูดให้ใครต่อใครได้รู้ทั่วกัน อยากจะร้องดังดัง พูดให้ใครได้ฟังว่าเธอรักฉัน
Translation: I want to shout out loud to let everyone knows, I want to shout out loud to let everyone knows that you love me
Pronunciation: Yahk Ja Rong Dang Dang, Pood Hai Krai Tor Krai Dai Roo Tua Kan, Yahk Ja Rong Dang Dang, Pood Hai Krai Dai Fung Wa Ter Ruk Chan.
7. Jao Chor Malee (My Flower) – MR.TEAM
Those of you who frequent Thai bars shouldn’t be strangers to this song. Jao Chor Malee is really well-known among Thais, not just for its cryptic lyrics, but also for its melody.
What does the song truly mean? Who knows! Still an impressive song to sing along to though.
Lyrics: เจ้าช่อมาลีดึกดื่นปานนี้เจ้านอนไม่หลับ อีกนานก็ยังไม่กลับยังตาต่อตากับใครต่อใคร
Translation: My flower, she can’t go to sleep. She’s not coming back soon, still eye-to-eye with someone else.
Pronunciation: Jao Chor Malee Deuk Deun Pahn Nee Jao Norn Mai Lup, Eek Nahn Gor Yung Mai Glup Yung Tah Tor Tah Gup Krai Tor Krai
8. Ga-Roo-Nah Fung Hai Job (Please Listen Till The End) – Chaem Chaemram
I’d day this song marks the beginning of Thai rap.
Feelings often can’t be explained with a couple of words – that’s why Chaem Chaemram wrote a song to tell everyone that sometimes, we might take awhile to let someone know how we’re feeling, but it’s good to just listen until we’re done with what we’re saying.
So got a problem with your boo (or even a family member)? Sing this one to get them to hear you out.
Lyrics: กรุณาฟังๆ ฉันให้จบๆๆ แล้วจะบวกจะลบ ก็ตามใจ
Translation: Please listen (to me) till the end, you may like or hate it, depends on you.
Pronunciation: Ga-Roo-Nah Fung Fung Chun Hai Job Job Job, Laew Ja Buak Ja Lop Gor Tahm Jai
9. Ta Lueng (Shocked) – A-Nan Anwar
Ta Lueng has been a well-loved song in Thailand for over a decade. The song doesn’t only come with fun melody, but it also comes with dance moves one can’t help but move along to. Plus, this song is so popular that people of all ages must have heard it for at least once in their life.
Lyrics: เจอเธอแล้วใจมันร้อนๆ ตาโตจนแทบจะหลุด ตะลึง ตะลึง…
Translation: When I see you, I Can’t take my eyes off you. I feel shocked, shocked…
Pronunciation: Jer Ter Laew Jai Mun Ron-Ron, Ta Toh Jon Taeb Ja Lood, Talung Talung…
The song is fun to dance along to, and it is even used as an exercising song! Done with karaoke? Play this one to get everyone involved in a work-out without having to hit the gym.
10. Wai Jai Dai Ka (Can You Trust Her?) – Lanna Commins
Finish your karaoke sesh off with this Thai classic that is sung in a Northern dialect – you can pick up some new words along the way too.
If your crush has been at home but talking to random people on their FB or Instagram timelines, send this tune to them as a friendly reminder that you’re keeping your eyes on them.
Lyrics: อยู่เมืองไกล จะไว้ใจได้กา บ่ไจ้ข้าเจ้า จะไว้ใจได้กา
Translation: (She) is from another city, can you trust her? She’s not me, can you trust her?
Pronunciation: You Muang Klai Ja Wai Jai Dai Ga, Bor Jai Ka Jao Ja Wai Jai Dai Ga
Famous Thai songs
We’ve come to the end of the list – how many songs do you get so far? If you’ve got more Thai bops you love, let us know in the comments below!
More things to do at home:
- Best Thai Movies On Netflix To Binge Watch Over The Weekend As Rated By Locals
- Best Thai Horror Movies To Watch If You Liked Shutter
- Legendary Romantic Thai Films That Will Make You Cry For 10 Years
- Museums With Free Virtual Tours You Can Enjoy From Your Bedroom During Quarantine
Featured image adapted from: GMM GRAMMY OFFICIAL
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