Culture
Add Carabao Defends Support for Young Prodigy Nene Royal
Legendary Thai musician Add Carabao has publicly defended his support for 16-year-old guitar prodigy Nene Royal following online criticism.
On September 16, 2026, during the 'CONCERT FOR GUITARKING LAM MORRISON 2026' held at the Tawandang German Brewery, legendary Thai artist Add Carabao addressed recent social media backlash regarding his public support for Nene Royal. Nene, a 16-year-old Thai musician who gained international recognition on 'America’s Got Talent,' has been the subject of online accusations suggesting that established artists are merely 'riding her coattails' for popularity.
Add Carabao, known for his influential role in Thai music, expressed frustration toward these critics, labeling them as keyboard warriors. He firmly defended his admiration for Nene, describing her as a rock genius and a source of national pride. He emphasized that her talent has already transcended global stages and praised the dedication of her family in fostering her career. During the event, which was organized to honor rock legend Lam Morrison, Add Carabao also discussed his efforts in producing music and videos intended to inspire the next generation of artists.
For residents and travelers in Thailand, this incident highlights the intense public discourse surrounding Thai youth achieving international success. While the debate remains confined to social media commentary, it underscores the high level of national interest in cultural exports. It remains to be confirmed how these public endorsements will influence future collaborations between established Thai icons and emerging young talents.
