Thai government backs AGT star Nene Royal for tourism push

Bangkok — 14 July 2026, The Thai government has pledged its support for teenage singer “Nene Royal” after her standout performance on America’s Got Talent (AGT), saying it plans to promote her as part of Thailand’s tourism public relations and soft power campaign while sponsoring expenses related to her participation in the competition, as well as inviting the Thai public to vote for the young performer ahead of the next round of the competition in August. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said on Tuesday at Government House, after leading a delegation from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to meet the prime minister, that the government was ready to support Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikan Amloi, also known as Praew, in every aspect of her participation in AGT, including competition-related expenses. During the meeting, the prime minister presented Nene with an Amazing Thailand lapel pin and souvenir gift set as a gesture of support ahead of her next competition, while praising her talent, determination and dedication for bringing international recognition to Thailand and inspiring young Thai artists. During the event, Nene also gave a live performance of “Zombie” by The Cranberries, the same song she performed while accompanying herself on guitar during her AGT audition. Surasak said that simply appearing on a global stage had already helped promote Thailand. He added that, looking ahead, the ministry plans to invite Nene to participate in future campaigns promoting Thai tourism, the country’s image and its soft power, citing her broad abilities and potential. Nene thanked the Thai public for their support and encouraged people to continue following her journey and vote for her in the next round of the competition, admitting she was shocked by how quickly everything had happened. “Right now, I still don’t realise I’ve become this famous. Everything has happened so quickly, and my life has changed a lot. Wherever I go, people recognise me. I can’t even go out to buy meatballs anymore,” she joked. She also revealed that her ultimate dream is to become an international recording artist, release her own music and go on a world tour. She added that she is currently preparing to release two or three new songs that are already in the pipeline. Nene emphasised that she introduced herself on AGT as being from “Phuket, Thailand” because she wanted audiences around the world to know she is from southern Thailand and a proud native of Phuket.