Phum Viphurit
Photograph: Phum Viphurit
Photograph: Phum Viphurit

Must-listen-to Thai artists who sing in English

Thai performers who sing in English are bridging the cultural gap and carving out an international space for themselves.

Tita Petchnamnung
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While music transcends borders, these Thai artists are gradually breaking down barriers and overcoming language obstacles by creating hits in English and allowing their music to resonate with global audiences. From humble beginnings fuelled by strong ambitions, these musicians are sharing their stories and taking their tracks to the world stage. Here's a snapshot of the multilingual acts from Thailand singing a slightly different tune.

Violette Wautier

Violette Wautier, the Japanese-born, half-Thai, half-Belgian artist, first captured our attention back in 2013 on The Voice Thailand. Since then, she’s been on a mission to break barriers and has done just that with her track Smoke becoming one of the most-streamed English-language hits by a Thai artist.

Her global journey is just beginning, with proud moments like performing at Japan’s Summer Sonic 2024 already under her belt. Now, she’s turning the page to an exciting new chapter with her full English debut album, Call Me Dramatic. Violette says that writing in English gives her a sense of freedom, something she doesn’t always experience with the Thai language. 

Phum Viphurit

Viphurit's journey began in Thailand but by the time he was nine, his family had moved to Hamilton, New Zealand. It was there, amidst the shifting landscapes of his new life, that he first picked up the drums. However, noise complaints soon steered him towards the guitar, unknowingly setting the stage for the emergence of a dynamic, internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter.

Today, the artist fuses indie-folk and neo-soul influences, carving out a unique musical identity in the process. His breakout single, Lover Boy, brought him global recognition. But that’s just the beginning – explore his latest EP release, Paul Vibhavadi Vol. 1, in which he introduces us to the world’s fastest-moving bilingual sloth, Paul Vibhavadi, on a journey to find inner peace.

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Telex Telexs

Telex Telexs shines as one of the few Thai synth-pop bands on the circuit. Their sound, dripping with nostalgic vibes, takes heavy inspiration from the iconic Japanese synth-pop era. Their 2018 album, Enough for Loneliness and Internet Today, was an absolute mood piece, delving into the complexities of social media burnout with both musical depth and clever storytelling. It marked a clear evolution, showcasing their fearless exploration of fresh, experimental sounds. 

Then came 2019, when they released their first English-language EP, Yes! I'm 25 and Single, featuring standout tracks like June and Rain – give it a listen!

Lisa

It’s nearly impossible not to know the name Lalisa Manobal – aka Lisa from BLACKPINK. The Thai-born sensation from Buriram made history as YG Entertainment’s first non-ethnically Korean trainee before debuting as BLACKPINK’s main rapper and lead dancer in 2016.

In 2021 she stepped into the solo spotlight with her English debut, Lalisa, and its follow-up track, Money, both of which became global hits in the Billboard rankings. Now, in 2025, she’s dancing her way to greater heights with her first English studio album, Alter Ego, led by the chart-topping single Rockstar. Don’t miss her latest collaboration, Born Again, featuring Hollywood’s own Doja Cat and rising UK star, Raye.

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Tata Young

Tata Young started out as the cool girl-next-door, becoming the ultimate teen idol of 90s Thailand. When she took to the global stage, she did so with a bang. Her debut English album, I Believe, electrified the Asian music scene in early 2004, packed with infectious pop and dance-pop beats. Her presence reached Japan’s Oricon Top 10 and dominated charts across Southeast- and South Asia. The title track hit No. 1 in Hong Kong, even earning its place as the official theme song for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup football tournament.

Then there’s Dhoom Dhoom – a high-energy cultural fusion banger with a music video featuring Bollywood stars. It cemented Young’s status as a pan-Asian pop icon and earned her an MTV Immies Award for Indian Music Excellence.

Jannine Weigel

Jannine Weigel – born in Germany, raised in Thailand and adored worldwide – first stole the spotlight with her YouTube covers. Performing under the name Ploychompoo, she quickly racked up millions of views, setting the stage for a career that was always meant to go global.

Taking the leap onto the international stage, she dropped her debut English EPs, Genesis and Deep End, offering a fresh, distinct sound that resonated worldwide. Not forgetting her roots, she also unveiled her first German single, Zurück Zu Dir, which she performed live at the prestigious Webvideopreis Deutschland, embodying her full artistic identity.

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Jeff Satur

His heritage is a rich medley of cultures – Thai, Italian, Indian, and Chinese – all coming together in his work. At a young age he began to explore all things music – from the acoustic guitar to the piano and voice – and he excelled.

In 2024 he finally delivered what we'd been waiting for. His debut studio album, Space Shuttle No.8 features English versions of his Thai hits alongside brand-new original English singles.

Don’t miss his latest 2025 English track, Ride or Die, and the internationally acclaimed social commentary film, The Paradise of Thorns.

H3F

Meet H3F, short for Happy Three Friends, the Thai youth band representing a fresh fusion of cool pop, funk and R&B. Their journey began in late 2017 but what started out as laid-back jam sessions has since evolved into a serious musical movement. With the group crafting English tracks, H3F are now setting their sights on the world stage – and we’re all here for it.

Explore their sound with the EPs Cheesy Lyrics, Sloppy Groove and Family Product.

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