Ad Carabao Defends Young Guitar Prodigy Against Online Critics

At a Concert for Guitar King Lam Morrison 2026 benefit event held on the evening of September 16, legendary life-music artist Ad Carabao spoke candidly about the remarkable talent of 16-year-old Nene Royal, a Thai youth who has made waves on the international stage through America's Got Talent.

Beyond sharing behind-the-scenes stories about the songwriting and music video production, Ad Carabao also fired back at online drama surrounding Nene, praising her family's devotion and hailing her as a superhero and a Thai representative ready to step onto the global stage with full pride.

When asked about his feelings toward Nene, Ad Carabao explained: "The truth is, I spoke passionately just now because... there are some foul-mouthed people who came in criticizing and creating drama about Nene. But I don't care. Nene is genuinely a genius. What I truly believe in is the faith of her parents, especially her father Nrong, who has enabled her to become so musically talented to this day. And I must praise Nene herself for her dedication to practicing and training."

He continued: "I spoke with Nene's teachers and many people who know her. They say she is an extremely diligent child. Initially, she didn't even think she would play guitar, but once she started, her father Nrong gave full support. In the beginning when she performed, hardly anyone was watching, but her father Nrong stood cheering and dancing. This was during Covid, and it was such a touching image. I want all the youth of the nation and every parent to follow the example of father Nrong and the Amroy family, who turned their daughter into a Thai representative. Like Lisa, but Lisa was produced by South Korea. Nene was produced by Nrong, a true Thai, a southerner. He was able to make his child excel. I think Nene has already won. American's Got Talent is now too small for her. She has won the hearts of the world and the Thai people. She is a Thai representative who will bring glory back to Thailand and make the whole world know Thailand even more."

Regarding composing a song for Nene, Ad Carabao said: "I composed it quickly, but the production took time because all of us have our own work. Paan had to rush back from Australia, Tae flew in from Japan, and it all took a while. But in the end, it was completed, and I'm happy we did it."

When asked about giving Nene one million baht, he explained: "Yes, because competing abroad is difficult. I've traveled to America before and know it's exhausting—over 20 hours of travel. I wanted Nene to fly first class, to sleep comfortably with her parents. To be honest, one million baht isn't even enough. But many other people have helped, especially CP Chairman, who came forward to support her, fund her album, and more. I'm genuinely happy for Nene. The Chairman is amazing."

Regarding the online drama accusing him of chasing trends with a child, Ad Carabao said: "I don't know those people, but when I posted about Nene on Facebook, there was backlash saying 'You're old but still chasing child trends.' But I don't care."