LISA Showcases Thai Soft Power on The Tonight Show, Invites Jimmy Fallon to Try Som Tam and Learn “Mot Kaew”
NEW YORK — Thai global superstar LISA brought a vibrant taste of Thailand to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, introducing host Jimmy Fallon to the iconic Thai dish “som tam,” sharing a special mixed drink and teaching him the Thai phrase “mot kaew,” while also discussing her upcoming project PRESS PLAY and teasing a new single whose title begins with the letter “T.”
NEW YORK — Thai global superstar LISA brought a vibrant taste of Thailand to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, introducing host Jimmy Fallon to the iconic Thai dish “som tam,” sharing a special mixed drink and teaching him the Thai phrase “mot kaew,” while also discussing her upcoming project PRESS PLAY and teasing a new single whose title begins with the letter “T.”
Lalisa Manobal, widely known as LISA of BLACKPINK, appeared as a guest on the popular U.S. late night talk show to discuss several projects in her global career, including PRESS PLAY, the documentary Always Lalisa, her acting role in The White Lotus, and her upcoming VIVA LA LISA show in Las Vegas.
Beyond her entertainment projects, one of the highlights of the interview was LISA’s natural introduction of Thai food, language and culture to the studio, creating another highly visible moment for Thai Soft Power on an international entertainment platform.
LISA Invites Jimmy Fallon to Try Thailand’s Iconic Som Tam
One of the most memorable moments came when LISA introduced Fallon to som tam, Thailand’s famous spicy green papaya salad.
She talked about the ingredients and distinctive flavors of the popular Thai dish before inviting Fallon to try it, bringing a familiar part of everyday Thai food culture directly into an American television studio.
The cultural exchange continued when LISA introduced a mixed drink combining soju, Thai beer and Sprite. She then taught Fallon the Thai expression “mot kaew” (หมดแก้ว), a phrase used to encourage someone to finish their drink, creating laughter and a lively atmosphere in the studio.
The segment offered international audiences an informal glimpse into Thai food, language and contemporary social culture, with som tam becoming one of the most visible symbols of Thailand during the interview.
“SaWaDiKa” Takes a Thai Greeting to Global Music Audiences
Thai identity also plays a prominent role in LISA’s latest music.
Her single “SaWaDiKa” takes its name from the Thai greeting “สวัสดีค่ะ” (sawasdee ka) and incorporates Thai influences across the music, visuals and overall creative direction.
During the interview, the strong response to the music video was also discussed, including its reported achievement of more than 70 million YouTube views within 24 hours, a figure that appeared to surprise LISA herself.
By turning one of Thailand’s most recognizable everyday greetings into the title of an international music release, “SaWaDiKa” brings the Thai language directly into global pop culture.
PRESS PLAY Connects LISA’s Thai Roots With Her Global Journey
LISA also explained the concept behind PRESS PLAY, scheduled for release on October 23.
The project reflects her personal journey, connecting her roots and beginnings with where she stands today as a global artist.
Each track has its own character and atmosphere, while elements of Thai identity are woven throughout the project. Together, the songs are designed to come together like scenes in a movie an idea that ultimately inspired the title PRESS PLAY.
The concept demonstrates how LISA’s Thai roots are not simply being used as visual references, but are becoming part of the wider creative narrative surrounding her music and international identity.
Track 4 Confirmed as Next Single, With a Title Beginning With “T”
LISA also gave fans a clue about her next release when Fallon attempted to uncover the title of an unreleased song.
She revealed that Track 4 on PRESS PLAY will be the next single and confirmed that its title begins with the letter “T.”
However, LISA stopped short of revealing the full title, saying she wanted to keep it as a surprise for fans.
From Dance Teacher to a Disneyland Princess
The conversation also revealed another side of LISA’s life.
Asked what she might have done if her K-pop career had not worked out, LISA said she had considered becoming a dance teacher or pursuing acting.
She also playfully mentioned that becoming a Disney princess at Disneyland was another possibility she had once imagined, adding a lighthearted moment to the interview.
From Som Tam to “Mot Kaew”: Thai Soft Power Reaches a Global Audience
LISA’s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon went beyond the promotion of her latest entertainment projects.
Throughout the interview, distinctly Thai elements from “SaWaDiKa” and som tam to the expression “mot kaew” became part of a conversation reaching an international audience.
The appearance illustrates how globally recognized Thai artists can contribute to the international visibility of Thailand’s food, language and contemporary culture. Rather than presenting Thai culture through a formal promotional campaign, LISA incorporated these elements naturally into her music, personality and interaction with Fallon.
It was another example of how Thai Soft Power can travel through global pop culture, turning familiar elements of everyday life in Thailand into cultural touchpoints for audiences around the world.
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