31/08/2026
So I thought about writing this post after I kept having the same conversation over and over with both Thais and Farangs alike, both of which had not heard of I.S. Song Hits.
I.S. Song Hits is a legendary Thai international songbook and music media brand founded by Lek Wongsawang (Preecha Wongsawang), a prominent Thai radio DJ and publisher.
Started decades ago before the internet era, I.S. Song Hits published pocket-sized lyric books containing international song lyrics, chords, music news, and artist profiles. Known as "The Songbook", it served as an essential guide for Thai fans of 1950s–1970s western music.
It originated alongside Lek Wongsawang's popular radio programs, which played classic international hits, shaping the Thai "Ko Lang Wang" (1960s youth subculture) generation.
The theme song for I.S. Song Hits was composed and first used as the title track for a radio program in 1974. The melody is adapted from a Tom Dooley song, with lyrics by Pat Wichit Treechob (lyricist and musician for the Royal Sprite band). This version was originally sung and performed by The Hot Pepper.
After Lek used it as the program's title track for four years, he commissioned Prachin Songphao to rearrange it. The new version you hear here was sung by Ter-Rewat Phutthinin and performed by The Oriental Funk, and is frankly a Thai Funk banger.
The 45 seems to be rare as hens teeth, only had 1 other copy that had no cover, doesn't turn up. It also has a arguably even better instrumental version on the flip I will post some day.
If anyone has images of the actual physical printed songbooks, please share as they are so interesting.
Peace
