Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has praised and congratulated Nene Royal, a 16-year-old Thai singer and guitarist, for bringing recognition and pride to Thailand after sailing through to the final round of America’s Got Talent 2026, a deputy government spokesperson said today.
Anutin praised Nene, who is from Phuket, for her singing and guitar performance of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”, which earned her a Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B and sent her directly to the final, said Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan.
Nene not only showcased her musical talent but also incorporated Thai textiles and elements of Phuket’s cultural heritage into her outfit, the spokesperson said.
She wore a shimmering gold-patterned Thai textile, known as pha thoy yok bloe, tied around her waist over her trousers.
The textile is a traditional form of weaving associated with Thailand’s southern region and the Malay Peninsula, she said. Nene’s outfit also drew inspiration from Phuket’s Baba-Peranakan heritage.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Amazing Thailand Facebook page, her look blended rock style with Thai textiles, local craftsmanship and the cultural heritage of her hometown.
The look featured a cropped jacket made from Chinese key-patterned batik fabric by Dahla Batik, designed and tailored by Thai designer Tita Style.
It was complemented by a ‘Pin Tang’, a traditional Phuket accessory rooted in Peranakan culture, adding a distinctive touch of her hometown heritage to her rock-inspired style.
A samping, or Kain Dagang, was also creatively styled around her waist and paired with trousers, giving the traditional textile a contemporary look.
Ploythalay said Nene’s use of Thai textiles and cultural elements alongside her rock performance had showcased a contemporary expression of Thai identity and beauty, helping promote Thailand’s cultural soft power.
“The government invites all Thais to send their support and cheer for Nene as she competes for the America’s Got Talent 2026 (Season 21) title,” Ploythalay said.
The finale is on September 22, with the winner to be announced the following day, US time.
“Nene’s success is a source of pride for her family, Thai people across the country and the people of Phuket. It is also an inspiration for Thai youth to pursue their dreams,” Ploythalay said.
The Amazing Thailand Facebook page described Nene’s appearance as a proud moment in which the talent of a young Thai artist, Thai textiles, local craftsmanship and the creativity of a Thai designer came together on the world stage.
