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5 Songkran Songs You’ve Probably Heard Before in 7-Eleven

There are many aspects to the tradition of Songkran.

The purists will be quick to tell you that too much emphasis is put on water fighting and partying these days, and that proper tradition is being lost.

So, for the record (no pun intended), and some cultural appropriation, I thought I'd explore some traditional Songkran songs.

But before we get into the music, here's a quick recap on what this festival is all about.

The word “Songkran” comes from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti (Devanāgarī: संक्रांति), literally “astrological passage”, meaning transformation or change.

It is Thailand's grandest and most important date in the calendar year.

The period marks a time to let go of the past and move forward, but also a time to pay respect and be grateful.

It is a celebration that embraces goodwill, love, compassion and thankfulness.

Water is used as a means of expression to pay gratitude to elders and make merit/prayer at temples and shrines. But in modern times it is used to party and act like a loon!

Anyway, before you venture out and get busy with your water pistol and dance to Thai pop songs, take some time to appreciate these 5 traditional Songkran songs that live on in every 7-Eleven, mall, airport and just about every other place at this time of year!

Oh, and before I forget, it's also an extremely good idea to invest in one of those waterproof boat bags to keep your phone and money in when walking around.

In fact, when you're done with these songs, make sure you read my Songkran guide, which covers all the cultural aspects of this festive period, and includes 10 essential tips for staying safe.

=> Read that here

Happy Songkran!

I hope you have heaps of fun. Stay safe. Don't drink and drive, and take care crossing the road.

5 Traditional Thai Songkran Songs

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  1. Bill says

    Thank you for your service. Is there a way I can get the latinized lyrics of the first one? I don't mind if they do not reflect the right pronunciation, close to the phonetics will suffice. After all, with the sound of the water while taking a shower my voice sounds OK. at least good enough for myself. I'd appreciate any help.
    Reply

  2. Kristian says

    Hi! Just returned after 15 days of Thailand and had three of them celebrating Songkran in Bangkok - absolutely amazing!One song was played very often, more a disco / dance song, probably from the charts. I would like to know the name of the song, doesn’t seem to be some of the above and YouTube and google doesn’t help any further.I heard the song later on PhiPhi and Phuket also so probably not a specific Songkran song?
    Reply

  4. James Murphy says

    This Thailand Life is Great. I read it all the time and so useful. I'm relocating soon to Thailand and am getting married to a lovely Thai Lady. We are both now retired. I appreciate all of what you say and has helped me no- end. Many thanks.
    Reply

  6. calvin says

    Hey,This is a little late but Youtube has removed the 2nd and 3rd songs - is there any chance you could post the Title in a comment? Thanks - I;ve been searching for a classic Songkran song that I heard once in a company party a few years back and can;t remember the title - all I remember was one of my colleagues explaining it was a girl singing about her husband/lover being a 'butterfly man' if anyone could help me out it would be much appreciated, thanks!
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hey Calvin, thanks for letting me know those two have been removed. I've replaced them with alternatives.I can't think of the song you mean. Are you sure it was a Songkran song, as they tend to be about good luck and New Year, etc.Are you sure it wasn't a luk tung song like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtV6oIVFKY8
      Reply

      • calvin says

        Thanks for the quick response, I'm pretty sure you've found the song I've been looking for!If you're wondering it's in the 2nd Video and starts at 6 minutes. (Track 03-รำวงสงกรานต์หวานใจ04-ตลุงสุขสงกรานต์). Not sure if what my colleague said about it being about a Butterfly Man is correct. Also recall it being played at a BTS station on Songkran. Admittedly she isn't what you would call a particularly nice singer, but this one was memorable.
        Reply

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