Thai teen guitarist Nene Royal sparks hopes for tourism boost

THE NEWS: Nene Royal’s performances on America’s Got Talent have collected more than 200 million views on the show’s official online platforms—more than any other act in 2026—prompting Thai officials to see her rising fame as a new driver for international tourism.

DETAILS:

• The guitarist is 16‑year‑old Rattikarn Amloy, who performs under the stage name Nene Royal.
• She went viral after a swaggering rendition of The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” which quickly spread across social media.
• Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul directed the tourism authorities to leverage the singer’s growing profile for tourism promotion.
• Thai officials said her international exposure could help attract fresh visitors to the kingdom.

WHY IT MATTERS: By linking a viral cultural moment to its tourism strategy, Thailand hopes to convert worldwide curiosity about the teenage guitarist into tangible visitor growth, diversifying its promotional toolkit and potentially boosting arrivals in a highly competitive market.

FAQ

How many views have Nene Royal’s America’s Got Talent performances received?
Nene Royal’s appearances on America’s Got Talent have generated over 200 million views on the show’s official online platforms, a figure that tops all other acts recorded in 2026, according to the report.

Who is the Thai prime minister that ordered tourism authorities to act on the guitarist’s fame?
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand announced that the tourism ministry should capitalize on the teenage guitarist’s rising international profile, instructing officials to incorporate her fame into the country’s tourism promotion strategy, in hopes of drawing new visitors.

Which song did the 16‑year‑old performer sing that sparked her viral fame?
The viral performance that launched the teenage guitarist, Rattikarn Amloy (stage name Nene Royal), featured a swaggering cover of The Cranberries’ 1994 hit “Zombie,” which she sang while delivering rapid guitar solos, sparking widespread sharing on social media.

Read Original Article.