Lisa's SaWaDiKa single uses Thai greeting
Blackpink's Lisa releases a new single titled 'SaWaDiKa,' a stylized version of the Thai greeting 'sawasdee ka,' as the lead track for her upcoming EP
Blackpink member Lisa will release her new single "SaWaDiKa" on September 3. The song is the lead single from her six-track EP "PRESS PLAY," scheduled for October 23.
According to a report from The Nation/Asia News Network, the single's title is a stylized rendering of the polite Thai greeting "sawasdee ka." The visual campaign for the release places muay thai and a blue-and-red tuk-tuk at its center, presenting these familiar Thai symbols through a high-fashion concept.
Muay Thai and Tuk-Tuk in High Fashion
Newly released images show Lisa in a contemporary take on muay thai attire. Her boxing shorts have "LISA" embroidered across the waistband. Another image places her on a tuk-tuk, where she wears a leather bodysuit and high-heeled lace-up boots that draw on boxing footwear. The concept blends combat-sport references with futuristic sports fashion rather than reproducing traditional ring attire literally.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), welcomed Lisa's use of the greeting. She commented on the singer's Instagram announcement, thanking Lisa and stating the phrase adds greater resonance to the warmth of the Thai people. Lisa has served as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador since accepting the tourism role in 2025.
A Global Rollout for a Thai Phrase
The song's identity began emerging before its official announcement. Red outdoor displays carrying the words "HELLO (Sawasdee ka)"appeared in major cities including Bangkok, New York, Los Angeles, and Mexico City. These were later revealed as part of Lisa's new music campaign."sawasdee ka" into both the single's title and its central promotional message.
The official description of the "PRESS PLAY"EP presents it as a return to Lisa's beginnings and a celebration of her journey from Thailand to the international stage."SaWaDiKa" continues a visual thread from Lisa's earlier solo releases. Her 2021 debut single "LALISA"featured traditional Thai dress and dance-inspired imagery. Lisa had specifically requested the inclusion of Thai influences in that song."Rockstar" moved that connection into contemporary Bangkok, using locations like Yaowarat Road in Chinatown as backdrops. "SaWaDiKa" now adds muay thai, the tuk-tuk, and the Thai language itself to that sequence of cultural showcase.
