Every April, Thailand transforms into the world’s biggest water party as millions celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year. Observed from April 13 to 15, this UNESCO-recognized festival is steeped in centuries of Buddhist tradition — from gentle water blessings poured over elders to the electrifying street-wide water fights that have made it a global bucket-list event. At the heart of every Songkran celebration is music. Whether you’re browsing the best songs for every occasion or putting together the ultimate Thai New Year playlist, this guide has you fully covered with 20 verified, real tracks — from timeless Thai classics to the freshest T-Pop releases — all confirmed on YouTube. Crank up the volume, grab your water gun, and let the music flow.
Talung Suk Songkran (ตลุงสุขสงกรานต์) – Suntaraporn Band
“Talung Suk Songkran” is one of the most beloved traditional Songkran songs by the legendary Suntaraporn Band, composed by the iconic Eua Sunthornsanan and performed as a male-female duet that captures the spirit of going to the temple to make merit during the Thai New Year holiday. The song’s warm, conversational back-and-forth between two singers reflects the communal, faith-filled heart of Songkran — inviting everyone to join together in Buddhist ritual, pour water in blessing, and celebrate the new year with a joyful soul. It is a staple of Thai Songkran playlists, available on Apple Music, Shazam, and multiple Thai music platforms, and is easily found on YouTube by searching ตลุงสุขสงกรานต์ สุนทราภรณ์.
Ram Wong Roeng Songkran (รำวงเริงสงกรานต์) – Suntaraporn Band
The sister song to “Ram Wong Wan Songkran,” this equally beloved track by the Suntaraporn Band opens with the phrase “Faa mai laew la na nong” — “The sky is new now, younger people” — welcoming the arrival of a fresh year with joyful energy. Both tracks were composed in the same year, 1961, and have been inseparable companions in Thailand’s Songkran soundscape ever since, played in an almost ritualistic loop at temple grounds, community centers, and family gatherings throughout the holiday. Together, these two songs represent the emotional and cultural core of Songkran music, and hearing even a few bars is enough to transport any Thai person straight back to the festival atmosphere.
Sabai Sabai – Bird Thongchai McIntyre
Known as the “King of Thai Pop,” Bird Thongchai McIntyre released “Sabai Sabai” in 1987 as the title track of his breakthrough album, and it went on to win Best Original Song at the Golden Suphannahong Awards, presented by the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand. The song’s title, which translates loosely to “easy and comfortable,” captures exactly the vibe Thais embrace during the holiday: letting go of stress, splashing water with friends, and soaking in the moment. Bird Thongchai’s warm, commanding vocals and the song’s upbeat production have made it a crowd-pleasing staple at outdoor Songkran celebrations for decades, beloved across all of Southeast Asia.
Too Much So Much Very Much – Bird Thongchai McIntyre
This irresistibly catchy track by Bird Thongchai, released on his 2010 album “Ahsah Sanook” (Volunteering Fun), is a celebration of life’s pleasures and overflowing emotions, and its upbeat, exuberant energy makes it a natural fit for the Songkran party atmosphere. The song became one of the most replayed tracks in his catalog internationally, gaining a massive following in Japan and across Southeast Asia where Bird Thongchai is revered as a legend of Asian pop music. Whether blasting from a speaker truck on Silom Road in Bangkok or at a neighborhood water fight, “Too Much So Much Very Much” always lands with the crowd and keeps the energy high.
Phak Kon (พักก่อน) – MILLI
The debut single from Thai rapper Danupha “MILLI” Khanatheerakul became a national phenomenon upon its release in February 2020, racking up over 90 million views on YouTube and establishing her as one of the most exciting new voices in Thai hip-hop. With its bold anti-bullying message, sarcastic wit, and a fearless blend of hip-hop, Isan dialect, and English, “Phak Kon” captures the spirit of a generation that refuses to be boxed in — much like the free-spirited, anything-goes energy of Songkran itself. MILLI’s raw charisma and unapologetic identity make this track a favorite for younger audiences celebrating Thai New Year in style.
Mango Sticky Rice – MILLI
MILLI’s “Mango Sticky Rice” became a global talking point when she performed it at Coachella 2022, making her the first Thai solo artist to appear at the festival, and famously eating the beloved dessert on stage while thousands of fans cheered. The song is a cheeky, confident celebration of Thai culture that cleverly dismantles stereotypes, and its April debut on the world stage — the same month as Songkran — made it an overnight anthem for Thai pride. Given that mango sticky rice is itself a quintessential Songkran treat, this song is the perfect blend of music and cultural identity for the Thai New Year playlist, and it has since gained massive traction on YouTube and Spotify worldwide.
Sud Pang (สุดปัง) – MILLI
MILLI’s second single “Sud Pang,” released in June 2020, demonstrated that her breakout debut was no fluke, accumulating over 43 million YouTube views and showcasing her remarkable ability to switch between multiple Thai dialects including Northern Thai, Southern Thai, Isan, and even Japanese and English within a single track. The song is a confident celebration of beauty, self-expression, and individuality — themes that align beautifully with the liberating, boundary-breaking spirit of Songkran, when social norms loosen and people of all ages come together in shared joy. As one of the defining hits of the new generation of Thai hip-hop, “Sud Pang” is a powerful, crowd-pleasing addition to any Songkran playlist.
Yahpid (ยาพิษ / Poison) – Bodyslam
Bodyslam, one of Thailand’s most beloved rock bands, has produced a string of hits since their debut in 2002, and “Yahpid” (Poison) stands among their most celebrated, winning the Season Award for Best Rock Song. The track’s driving guitar riffs and vocalist Toon’s passionate delivery make it a staple at large outdoor concerts and festivals across Thailand, including those that coincide with the Songkran long weekend. For the rock crowd celebrating Thai New Year, Bodyslam’s catalog — with “Yahpid” as a flagship song — represents the harder, more intense side of the Songkran soundtrack, balancing the traditional folk tunes with festival-ready rock energy.
Korb Fah (ขอบฟ้า / Edge of the Sky) – Bodyslam
Another cornerstone of Bodyslam’s revered discography, “Korb Fah” is a soaring anthem that translates to “Edge of the Sky,” filled with emotional power and an expansive sound that suits the wide-open outdoor celebration of Songkran perfectly. The song was featured on their album “Believe” and quickly became one of the band’s most-played live tracks, where it consistently moves audiences to sing along at the top of their lungs. Its themes of hope, perseverance, and new horizons resonate naturally with the spirit of Songkran as a time of renewal and fresh beginnings in the Thai New Year tradition.
Plai Thang (ปลายทาง / End of the Road) – Bodyslam
One of Bodyslam’s most celebrated early singles, “Plai Thang” won Channel V Thailand Music Video Awards for “Favorite Group” and helped establish the band as one of the cornerstones of Thai rock music in the early 2000s. The song’s emotional arc — from tension to release — mirrors the journey of Songkran itself, moving from the anticipation of Thai New Year to the joyful release of water, blessings, and new beginnings. Bodyslam fans will recognize this as one of the band’s most singalong-ready tracks, a quality that makes it live brilliantly at outdoor Songkran festivals where bands and DJs take the stage after the daytime water battles.
Kraam (คราม / Indigo) – Bodyslam
Released in late 2009 and giving its name to Bodyslam’s fifth studio album, “Kraam” is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally powerful Thai rock songs of its era, featuring a depth of lyrical meaning and musical craftsmanship that has only grown in stature with time. The song became the centerpiece of the band’s record-breaking concert at Rajamangala National Stadium in November 2010, where an audience of 65,000 people sang every word — a testament to how deeply it had embedded itself in Thai culture. For Songkran playlists that want to honor the rich heritage of Thai rock music, “Kraam” is an essential, irreplaceable entry.
Why Don’t You Stay – Jeff Satur
Jeff Satur is one of the most buzzworthy names in contemporary Thai music, and “Why Don’t You Stay” — the OST he both wrote and performed for the hit 2022 Thai BL drama KinnPorsche: The Series — is arguably the song that launched him to international stardom. The song’s mellow, heartfelt tone and Jeff’s emotionally powerful vocals created a deeply personal listening experience that resonated far beyond Thailand’s borders, amassing tens of millions of streams globally. While it is a poignant ballad rather than a high-energy party track, its widespread popularity ensures it finds its way into Songkran playlists and festival wind-down moments as the warm April evenings settle in.
Fade – Jeff Satur
Holding the distinction of Jeff Satur’s most-viewed song on YouTube with over 164 million views, “Fade” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad about the aftermath of heartbreak, where the singer pleads for the memory of his ex to finally fade away and release him from the pain. The song’s melodic restraint and emotional weight make it the kind of track that finds its way into Songkran playlists during the more reflective hours of the celebration — late evenings when the water fights have ended and the festive atmosphere softens into warmth and connection. As one of the defining T-Pop songs of recent years, “Fade” is a must-have on any comprehensive Songkran list.
Dum Dum – Jeff Satur
Where Jeff Satur’s earlier work often leaned into melancholy, “Dum Dum” represented a bold departure — a high-energy indie-pop track with dark, quirky aesthetics that showcased a completely new artistic dimension for the star. Released in March 2023, the music video accumulated over 41 million YouTube views, cementing Jeff’s standing as one of the most versatile artists in the T-Pop landscape. Its uptempo production and irresistible hook make it one of the more festival-friendly entries in Jeff’s catalog, a perfect choice for Songkran playlists looking to represent the modern face of Thai pop.
Ghost – Jeff Satur
Released in January 2024, “Ghost” marked a major artistic milestone for Jeff Satur as it showcased his versatility by blending retro-pop aesthetics with a cinematic music video narrative about two lovers torn apart, earning over 39 million YouTube views within months of its release. The song became one of the most talked-about Thai releases of 2024, earning Jeff the Best Male Artist of the Year award at The Guitar Mag Awards 2024. With its catchy retro hooks and Jeff’s signature vocal power, “Ghost” is ideal for outdoor Songkran DJ sets that blend modern T-Pop with nostalgic flair.
Loop – Jeff Satur
Released in March 2022, “Loop” is a soft, introspective pop track where Jeff Satur explores the internal conflict of someone who can’t quite bring themselves to confess their feelings, weaving the story through a charming office romance aesthetic in the music video that has earned over 18 million YouTube views. While its emotional tone is quieter than some of the party-driven Songkran anthems, “Loop” represents the kind of heartfelt Thai pop that has captured listeners across Asia and beyond, making it a beloved inclusion for Songkran playlists that want to balance high energy with musical depth. Jeff’s phrasing and vocal control on this track are highlights that consistently draw new listeners into his catalog.
Just Being Friendly – Tilly Birds
Tilly Birds is an alternative rock band that found national recognition when their song “Just Being Friendly” was covered in the popular Thai BL series My School President, catapulting them into the mainstream and building an enthusiastic fanbase at home and across Southeast Asia. The song’s relatable theme of complicated feelings between friends, combined with Tilly Birds’ punchy indie-rock sound, made it one of the most shared and replayed tracks of its release period across Thai music platforms. The band’s growing success has made them a regular presence on Thailand’s festival stages, and “Just Being Friendly” is one of the songs that gets the crowd moving during the Songkran season.
Hit Me Up – Timethai
Released in February 2024, “Hit Me Up” by Timethai quickly became one of the most replayed Thai songs of the year, attracting international attention alongside the broader T-Pop wave sweeping through Southeast Asia and landing on multiple Thai pop editorial playlists on Apple Music and Spotify. The song’s irresistible groove, clean R&B production, and feel-good energy make it ideally suited to the outdoor, social atmosphere of Songkran, where high-energy pop tracks keep the celebration alive from morning water fights to evening concerts. Timethai’s growing popularity is a testament to how Thai pop has evolved into a genre with global reach, and this track is one of the clearest examples of that modern sound.
Bad Girls Like You – Tobii
Released in August 2024 via Def Jam Recordings Thailand, Tobii’s “Bad Girls Like You” quickly went viral on TikTok with over 3.9 million user-generated clips and more than 54.3 million views, making it one of the biggest breakout Thai songs of the year. The track combines smooth Afrobeats-influenced production with catchy hip-hop verses, creating a sound that feels equally at home at a rooftop Songkran pool party as it does on a late-night playlist. Tobii’s rise reflects how Songkran’s musical landscape has expanded far beyond traditional folk songs to encompass the full, diverse range of modern Thai urban music.
Mirror Mirror (feat. Changbin of Stray Kids) – F.HERO & MILLI
This high-octane collaboration brought together Thai rap veterans F.HERO and MILLI with K-pop superstar Changbin from Stray Kids, dropping on October 28, 2021, and immediately trending worldwide on Twitter with #FHEROxMILLIxChangbin and #MIRRORMIRROR_MV. The track blends Thai, English, and Korean across aggressive, powerful rap verses from all three artists, produced by NINO of High Cloud Entertainment, creating an intense cross-cultural banger that is perfect for the peak energy hours of a Songkran festival. The song’s international pedigree also reflects how Songkran’s music has grown in global scale alongside the festival’s UNESCO recognition and growing worldwide audience.
Why Music Is Central to the Songkran Experience
Songkran (สงกรานต์) is far more than a water fight. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023, the Thai New Year festival is a deeply spiritual and communal celebration rooted in Buddhist traditions of purification, renewal, and respect for elders. The music that accompanies it spans an enormous range — from the 60-year-old folk anthems of the Suntaraporn Band to the globally streamed T-Pop and hip-hop tracks that define Thailand’s contemporary cultural soft power. In recent years, the festival has also become a major platform for electronic music, with events like the S2O Songkran Music Festival drawing international DJ lineups to Bangkok each April. Whether you are choosing the right gear to maximize your listening experience with a guide to the best headphones or finding the perfect earbuds for a festival, the Songkran season is one of the best times of the year to immerse yourself in the full richness of Thai music culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs are traditionally played at Songkran?
The most iconic traditional Songkran songs are by the Suntaraporn Band, including “Ram Wong Roeng Songkran” (รำวงเริงสงกรานต์) and “Talung Suk Songkran” (ตลุงสุขสงกรานต์), classic pieces broadcast everywhere in Thailand during the April 13–15 festival period and considered definitive musical symbols of Thai New Year.
Are modern Thai pop songs popular at Songkran?
Absolutely. While traditional folk and ram wong songs remain central to the Songkran experience, modern T-Pop, Thai rock, and Thai hip-hop tracks are equally popular. Artists like Jeff Satur, MILLI, Bodyslam, Timethai, and Tobii regularly appear on Songkran playlists and perform at the music festivals held during the Thai New Year holiday period.
What is the S2O Songkran Music Festival?
The S2O Songkran Music Festival is one of the most prominent electronic dance music (EDM) events in Thailand, combining the cultural tradition of Songkran water festivities with world-class DJ performances. Held annually in Bangkok, it features international artists and is known as one of the world’s most exciting outdoor music events, drawing fans from across the globe during the Songkran period.
Who is MILLI and why is she significant to Thai music?
MILLI, whose real name is Danupha Khanatheerakul, is a Thai rapper and singer who rose to national fame with her 2020 debut single “Phak Kon,” which amassed over 90 million YouTube views. She became internationally recognized in 2022 when she performed at Coachella — becoming the first Thai solo artist to do so — where her performance of “Mango Sticky Rice” sparked a nationwide cultural moment. She is widely regarded as one of the most important voices in the modern Thai hip-hop scene.
Can I find these Songkran songs on YouTube?
Yes. All 20 songs featured in this list are available on YouTube. The traditional Suntaraporn Band songs are widely uploaded by Thai music channels, while modern T-Pop and hip-hop tracks by artists like Jeff Satur, MILLI, Bodyslam, Timethai, and Tobii all have official music videos and audio uploads on their respective YouTube channels with millions of verified views.
What genres of music are popular during Songkran?
Songkran’s musical landscape is genuinely diverse. Traditional Thai ram wong folk music anchors the cultural celebrations, while Thai pop (T-Pop), Thai rock, and Thai hip-hop dominate contemporary playlists. At larger festival events, EDM and electronic music play a major role, thanks to major events like S2O Songkran. This range of genres reflects both the deep cultural roots and the modern global identity of the Thai New Year celebration.