Lisa’s latest music video, “SaWaDiKa,” attracted more than 70.8 million YouTube views during its first 24 hours, the highest opening-day total recorded by any video on the platform worldwide in 2026.
Released on Friday, September 4, through LLOUD Co. and RCA Records, the video became the second-biggest solo debut of the BLACKPINK member’s career. It narrowly trailed “LALISA,” which generated 73.6 million views during its first day.
The latest achievement further highlights the international appeal of the Thai superstar, whose full name is Lalisa Manobal, while placing Thailand and its cultural identity at the heart of a major global music release.
Inspired by the Thai greeting “sawasdee ka,” the song combines Lisa’s distinctive rap delivery with her signature hip-hop style. It was produced by Thom Bridges and Ojivolta and features the powerful choreography for which the singer has become known, including a recognisable dance move during the hook.
The accompanying video embraces Thai culture throughout, reflecting its title and the hashtags #SaWaDiKa and #สวัสดีค่ะ. Among the elements featured are tuk-tuks, Thai trains, modern interpretations of traditional clothing, an orchid-inspired costume, patterned fabrics, Chula kites and Muay Thai.
Rong Mueang Road and prominent Bangkok signs also appear, introducing international audiences to familiar scenes from the capital. The imagery supports Lisa’s role as an Amazing Thailand Ambassador for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
“SaWaDiKa” is the first single from her forthcoming extended play, “PRESS PLAY,” which is scheduled for release on Friday, October 23.
Six Bangkok Locations Featured in Production
Directed by Bang Jae Yeob, the music video was filmed across six locations in Bangkok, using a global street-pop aesthetic to showcase Thai culture and creative talent.
The Thailand Film Office, part of the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, revealed the locations and encouraged fans to explore the capital through the settings featured in the video.
The six filming sites were:
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Bangkok Railway Station, also known as Hua Lamphong
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Thammasat women’s dormitory in Sathon
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Dib Bangkok contemporary art museum in Khlong Toei
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The 11th Infantry Regiment underpass in Bang Khen
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Chaloem Khet 1 Road in Pom Prap Sattru Phai
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Bang Khun Thian Canal in Chom Thong
Production took place in late July and involved more than 100 Thai crew members. Their participation highlighted both Thailand’s appeal as an international filming destination and the capabilities of its local production industry.
Despite Lisa being Thai, the video was formally classified as a foreign production because its copyright belongs to an overseas company. Filming permission therefore had to be secured from the Department of Tourism before production began.
Colourful Tuk-Tuk Convoy Takes Over Bangkok
The song’s launch was accompanied by a separate promotional campaign featuring a convoy of tuk-tuks decorated with Lisa’s image and the “SaWaDiKa” title.
The colourful vehicles travelled past several prominent Bangkok locations, drawing attention from fans and passers-by while connecting the release with one of the capital’s best-known tourism symbols.
Sony Music Thailand shared photographs of the convoy on social media on Saturday, September 5, alongside the message: “Hello, sawasdee ka. The SaWaDiKa tuk-tuk convoy is here, serving all of Bangkok!”
The Lilies Home fan group had previously announced its own “TUK TUK PROJECT” in celebration of the single. The planned route included Hua Lamphong railway station, Yaowarat Road and Pak Khlong Talat.
TAT Introduces Four-Stop Bangkok Route
Building on the video’s popularity, TAT has invited visitors to take a “SaWaDiKa” tuk-tuk journey through four Bangkok landmarks, offering different views of the city from afternoon until evening.
The suggested route begins at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, and the Grand Palace. Passengers travel through Phra Nakhon alongside the palace walls, with views of ornate buildings and temple spires illuminated by the afternoon sun.
The journey then continues to the Giant Swing and Wat Suthat Thepwararam, where the landmark’s vivid red structure stands against traditional Thai architecture and provides a particularly striking scene during the early evening.
The third stop is the Royal Jubilee Gate at Odeon Circle, built to commemorate the sixth-cycle birthday anniversary and widely regarded as the entrance to Yaowarat.
The route concludes on Yaowarat Road, where neon signs, busy restaurants and colourful streets capture the energetic evening atmosphere of Bangkok’s Chinatown.
“SaWaDiKa” arrives ahead of another milestone in Lisa’s career: her four-show “VIVA LA LISA” residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
All four dates sold out in under 10 minutes, making her the first K-pop artist to secure a Las Vegas residency. The performances will take place on November 13, 14, 27 and 28.
Fans can also look forward to “Always Lalisa,” an upcoming documentary directed by Sue Kim. It is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival the following weekend before reaching cinemas worldwide on October 12.
