BK: Tell us about your life.
Bell: I was born in Nakhon Ratchasima. My dad was a soldier and my mom was a nursing assistant. I have seven aunts and two sisters. I felt like I was a woman since I was young. But I never exposed my femininity until I graduated. Before that, I kept pretending to be a well-behaved boy.

BK: Why did you have to hide it?
Bell: I didn’t know what to do. My father was really disappointed that I am like this. His family are all soldiers and he expected me to be a solidier too. He even beat me when I was in fourth grade to force me back to being a boy. I also was bullied at school, boys abused me, calling me e-tud [faggot] or katoey.

BK: When did you start singing?
Bell: I’ve loved to sing since I was a kid. I always participated in singing contests. I even won best performance at a national singing contest.

BK: What did you do after graduating?
Bell: I couldn’t continue college because my family didn’t have enough money. I became a singer at a pub called Dok Mai Coffee where I gained a reputation for singing in both male and female voices. It’s a selling point. That was the time that I started being myself too. I also work as a DJ and creative at G’s Radio 96.0 FM in Nakhon Ratchasima. I make a living and give money to my family. It’s been eight years now. My father feels better about me too.

BK: Why did you decide to participate in Thailand’s Got Talent?
Bell: Anucha “Chi” Lanprasert, a scout talent who pushed Nathan Oman, told me to try. He planned it that I should dupe the audience with my girly voice then surprise them with my male tones.

BK: How do you feel about becoming a big hit worldwide now?
Bell: I am so happy. I never expected it would be huge like this. I want to thank all the fans who support me. A fan in America even created an official website and sent me an iPod Touch with the quote “Thanks for being who you are. You make me smile,” etched on it. I am also proud that I am Thai. Thais see my talent whether I am a man or woman.

BK: Have you had sex-change surgery?
Bell: Not yet. But I definitely will.

BK: Do you have a boyfriend?
Bell: Yes, I do. He’s now worried that I will be too famous and meet somebody else.

BK: Any funny experiences because of your looks?
Bell: There was a guy who came to listen to my music and chatted to me at the pub for a couple months. Once I told him that I would participate in the Miss Tiffany contest, he was in shock. He just thought that I was just a girl who had deep voice.

BK: What is your biggest dream?
Bell: I just want to sing my own songs in front of thousands of people. That’s all I want.