How to say happy birthday in Thai
สุขสันต์วันเกิด
Say it like this: sook-SAN wan-GURT
To say happy birthday in Thai, you say "สุขสันต์วันเกิด", which sounds like sook-SAN wan-GURT. In Thailand, people add a small polite word at the end, depending on who is speaking. Here is how to say it, and other warm ways to wish someone well.
"สุขสันต์" (suk san) means happy or joyful. "วันเกิด" (wan koet) joins "วัน" (day) and "เกิด" (born), so it means "birth day".
Other ways to say happy birthday in Thai
- สุขสันต์วันเกิดครับ (suk san wan koet khrap)Say it like this: sook-SAN wan-GURT krahpThe polite form if you are a man. Use it with anyone you want to be polite to.
- สุขสันต์วันเกิดค่ะ (suk san wan koet kha)Say it like this: sook-SAN wan-GURT kahThe polite form if you are a woman. Use it with anyone you want to be polite to.
- สุขสันต์วันเกิดนะ (suk san wan koet na)Say it like this: sook-SAN wan-GURT nahA soft, friendly version for close friends and family.
- แฮปปี้เบิร์ธเดย์ (Happy birthday)Say it like this: HAP-pee BURT-dayThe English words, very widely used in Thailand, especially by young people.
- ขอให้มีความสุขมากๆ (khor hai mee kwaam suk maak maak)Say it like this: kor hai mee kwahm SOOK mahk mahkMeans "wishing you lots and lots of happiness". Lovely to add after the greeting.
- ขอให้สุขภาพแข็งแรง (khor hai sukkhaphap khaeng raeng)Say it like this: kor hai SOOK-ka-pahp KAENG-raengMeans "wishing you good health". A kind wish, especially for older people.
The Happy Birthday song in Thai
Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you,
happy birthday dear [name],
happy birthday to you.
In Thailand, people usually sing the song in English. There is no one Thai version that everyone knows.
Birthday customs
- In Thailand, many people make merit on their birthday, for example by giving food to monks in the morning or visiting a temple.
- Each day of the week has its own colour in Thailand, and many Thais know the day of the week they were born on and its lucky colour.
- In Thailand, Father's Day is held on 5 December, the birthday of the late King Bhumibol, and Mother's Day on 12 August, the birthday of the late Queen Sirikit.
A quick tip
Thai is a tonal language, so the same sound can change meaning with a rising or falling voice. Do not worry too much. Say it slowly and kindly, add "khrap" or "kha" at the end, and people will love that you tried.
Questions people ask
Should I say "khrap" or "kha"?
It depends on you, not the birthday person. Men say "khrap" and women say "kha".
How do you say happy birthday in Thai to a friend?
Say "สุขสันต์วันเกิดนะ" (sook-SAN wan-GURT nah). Many friends also just say "Happy birthday" in English.
What do you say back?
Say "ขอบคุณ" (khop khun, kop-KOON), which means thank you. Add "khrap" or "kha" to be polite.
Wish someone happy birthday in Thai
Type their name, and we will turn it into a birthday surprise in Thai: a gift box to open, confetti, their name in gold and the birthday song. Then send it by WhatsApp, text or email. It is free.