Want to know how to say ‘happy birthday’ in Thai? You’re in the right place.
It’s always nice to wish someone a happy birthday on their special day but why not do it in a language that means something to them.
As well as wishing your loved one a happy birthday in Thai, why not also sing the Thai version of the happy birthday song! Read on to learn more about this.
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How To Say ‘Happy Birthday’ In Thai
To wish someone a happy birthday in Thai, you can say:
| English | Thai | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Happy birthday | สุขสันต์วันเกิด | Suk san wan gerd |
This phrase is a Thai blessing often used on birthdays. It’s perfect for writing in a card to someone or on social media.
To hear the pronunciation of this phrase, check out the video below:
You can also just say ‘happy birthday’ in English but with a Thai accent and you will be perfectly understood. It’s common in Thailand to just use the English phrase which with the Thai accent sounds more like ‘happy bert-day’.
Alternatively, you can also use some of these phrases:
| English | Thai | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I wish you happiness | มีความสุขมากๆนะ | Mii kwam-suk maak-maak na |
| Be healthy | สุขภาพแข็งแรง | Suk-ka-paab kaeng-raeng |
| Live long | อายุมั่นขวัญยืน | Aa-yu-man kwan-yuen |
| I wish you wealth | ขอให้รวยๆ | Khoor-hai ruay-ruay |
| Congratulations | ดีใจด้วย | Dee jai doo-ay |
Thai people often say wishes to people on their birthdays e.g. I wish you happiness, I wish you to be healthy and live long.
If you’re speaking to someone special then you’ll want to know how to say I love you in Thai.
How To Sing Happy Birthday In Thai
If you want to go the extra mile for your loved one or friend, try singing the happy birthday song in Thai. You’ll be happy to know that in Thailand they just sing the song in English (but with a Thai accent) with a variation of the 3rd line.
Check out the video below to hear the Thai birthday song sung by 2 super cute kids. I’ve listed the lyrics below so you can sing along.
Here’s the lyrics so you can sing along:
“Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday! Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to you!”
If you want to sing it in the Thai accent, then pronounce it as ‘happy bert-day to you’ as in Thai there is no ‘th’ sound.
Thai Birthday Traditions
Birthday traditions can be very important to many people on their birthdays. To make your loved one feel extra special you can also try some of these Thai birthday traditions.
Traditional Thai Birthdays
Today many people in Thailand celebrate birthdays the same way that people do in the West e.g. with parties, cake and gifts. However, many people still celebrate them in the traditional way.
Traditionally, Thai people will visit a temple on their birthday which will often include donating money and food to the monks.
They will also free animals including birds and fish. This is supposed to help symbolize their feelings e.g. it should make you feel refreshed and calm.
Finally, they often treat their parents by taking them out for a meal to thank them. These practices intend to bring good karma for the next year.
The Birthday Person Pays
If you’re going out for drinks or dinner for your birthday with Thai friends then don’t be surprised when they expect you to pay! In Thailand, it’s customary for the birthday person to pay for everything.
Thanks for reading this post on how to say ‘happy birthday’ in Thai.
It’s a great idea to make the effort to learn how to say this in someone’s native language or a language that means something to them.
Your loved one or friend will be so impressed!
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