Practice English with NewsPractice with News
EntertainmentTravel219 words2 min read

Thai Teen Guitarist Goes Viral, Boosting Hopes for Tourism

a man playing a guitar outside in the sun
Photo by Elisa Kennemer on Unsplash
0:00 / 0:00

Listen to the story

A teenage guitarist from Thailand, Nene Royal, has become an internet sensation after videos of her guitar solos went viral. Her skillful playing has attracted huge attention online from fans around the world.

Ahead of her appearance on America's Got Talent, a popular American talent show, Nene performed in New York's famous Times Square. Crowds gathered to watch her play, and the moment quickly spread across social media.

Nene has also performed in Phuket, a well-known Thai tourist island. Her show there impressed local audiences and added to her growing reputation as a rising musical talent.

Because of her sudden fame, some people believe Nene could help boost Thailand's tourism industry. Thailand relies heavily on visitors from abroad, and public figures who gain international attention can sometimes encourage more people to travel there.

Supporters hope that as Nene's videos continue to spread, more people around the world will become curious about Thailand and decide to visit. This kind of attention is sometimes called a tourism boost, meaning a rise in the number of visitors to a country.

While it is still early to know the full effect of her fame, her success shows how a single viral moment can create excitement that reaches far beyond music, potentially influencing how people see a whole country.

Vocabulary7 words

guitar solos
parts of a song where one guitarist plays alone
viral
spreading very quickly online to many people
America's Got Talent
a famous US TV show where people show special skills
talent show
a TV competition where people perform a skill
reputation
what people think or say about someone
tourism industry
all the businesses connected to travel and visiting places
tourism boost
an increase in the number of visitors to a place

Quiz

1. What made Nene Royal famous?
2. Where did Nene perform before her AGT show?
3. Why do some people think Nene could help Thailand?

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

A teenage guitarist from Thailand, Nene Royal, has become an internet _____ after videos of her guitar solos went viral.

Her skillful playing has attracted huge attention _____ from fans around the world.

Ahead of her appearance on America's Got _____, Nene performed in New York's famous Times Square.

Crowds gathered to watch her play, and the moment quickly spread across _____ media.

Nene has also performed in _____, a well-known Thai tourist island.

Because of her sudden fame, some people believe Nene could help boost Thailand's tourism _____.

Thailand relies heavily on _____ from abroad.

Supporters hope that more people around the world will become curious about Thailand and decide to _____.

Discussion questions

  1. Do you think one famous person can really change how many tourists visit a country? Why or why not?
  2. Have you ever watched a viral video that changed your opinion about a place?
  3. Why do you think talent shows like America's Got Talent are so popular internationally?
  4. What other ways can a country attract more tourists besides famous individuals?

More Entertainment stories

Next story · Medium

Sports News Roundup: Coaches Speak, Eagles Set Depth Chart, WPBL Game Tonight

→