Photo: Yeyoung Choi. Courtesy of LLOUD Co. / RCA Records.

On 4 September, Lalisa Manobal, known globally as LISA, released SaWaDiKa — a pop video in which Thailand is not simply an exotic backdrop. It is the main character.

According to Thai media, the video drew 70.8 million views in its first 24 hours — the strongest opening among music videos released on YouTube in 2026. For LISA herself, it was also close to a personal record: only her 2021 solo debut LALISA performed better on its opening day, with 73.6 million views.

But the record is only part of the story. The release comes during LISA’s tenure as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador.

The title plays on sawasdee ka, one of the Thai greetings most familiar to international visitors, while the video brings together images of Bangkok and cultural symbols from across Thailand, all filtered through LISA’s own visual language.

Tuk-tuks and trains. Traditional textiles and contemporary fashion. Orchids, kites, Muay Thai and even the wai gesture worked into the choreography.

An official Thai tourism portal has already published a Bangkok route inspired by SaWaDiKa: the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the Giant Swing and Wat Suthat, Odeon Circle and the Chalermphrakiat Gate at the entrance to Chinatown, followed by the neon-lit streets of Yaowarat.

For LISA, SaWaDiKa also opens a new chapter in her global career. The song is the first single from her new EP PRESS PLAY, due on 23 October. The documentary Always Lalisa opens in cinemas worldwide on 12 October before moving to YouTube Premium later in the year. In November, LISA will stage four VIVA LA LISA shows in Las Vegas — on 13, 14, 27 and 28 November. The limited run sold out in under ten minutes.

The release follows her appearance with Anyma at Coachella, where they performed their collaboration Bad Angel. LISA later joined Rema and Anitta to perform Goals — a track from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album — at the opening ceremony in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, an untitled Netflix romantic comedy with LISA in a leading role is currently in development.

As the Amazing Thailand Ambassador, LISA is doing more than representing the country in an international campaign. She is translating familiar Thai images into the language of global pop culture — and SaWaDiKa shows just how powerfully that language can travel.