BANGKOK — 15 October 2026, Thai teenage rock guitarist Nene Royal performed at a welcome dinner for global finance leaders attending the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, while Culture Minister Sabida Thaised presented her with an award recognising her role in bringing Thai identity to the international stage.
The dinner was hosted by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Santimaitri Building at Government House on the evening of 14 October.
Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn Amloy, is a 16-year-old from Phuket who won America’s Got Talent 2026 in the United States. She took part in the musical performances at the reception, which welcomed delegates attending the international meetings in Bangkok.
During the event, Sabida presented Nene with a plaque honouring her as a young role model who preserves and creatively promotes Thai culture on the world stage.
Sabida praised Nene’s international achievement, saying her success showcased not only her rock music talent and outstanding guitar skills but also the ability of young Thai people to represent their country internationally.
Nene has drawn attention for expressing Thai identity through her manners, humility and the traditional Thai wai greeting, which remain distinctive features of Thai culture.
Her appearance at the welcome dinner offered a showcase of Thai youth talent and cultural identity to international delegates attending the IMF–World Bank meetings.