Moving into the home shortly thereafter, Ton was marked by many as an underdog who had little chance of advancing beyond the first few weeks. He not only proved them wrong, but also grew to become one of the most popular contestants–most often due to his kindness and support of his fellow housemates. As anticipation grew for the final performance, he had shifted from being an unlikely, last-minute addition to a favorite with a chance to win it all. After storming through his favorite song–Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life”–to an enthusiastic crowd, Ton placed as the first runner-up, missing the top prize by the narrowest of margins.

Months later, his success grew as he auditioned for an upcoming movie and received the title role. Luerlae, a film endorsed by the Thai Ministry of Culture, tells the tale of a down-on-his-luck ska musician whose band can’t seem to gain an audience. Transported back to the Ayutthaya period after a comedic encounter with a spirit, he and his fellow band members are adopted as students at a traditional music school, where they gain an appreciation for the rich musical heritage of Thailand. Equally important, he learns the importance of traditional Thai values, which he carries back with him to his own time.

Reaction to Luerlae has been overwhelmingly positive, with film critics frequently pointing to its positive message and gentle humor, as well as the strong acting for a first-time lead. In starring in the film, Ton has also carried forward one of �ۿ۴�ý’s core goals in delivering a high-quality education to its students: the promotion of Thai culture and heritage, an expected learning outcome that was first adopted by Wells and is now increasingly common among international schools in Thailand. Citing his Thai culture classes, Ton feels “thankful to the teachers and the school for everything that I learned. It really helped me in making this movie.” Congratulations Ton, and we wish you all the best as you move on to an even brighter future.

View more photos of Ton’s film premiere on the .

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While the rest of the world paid tribute to all the people who have dedicated their lives to the education profession, Wells’ own Nattawat “Ton” Deewongkij from Academy Fantasia Season 7 (AF7) visited the On Nut campus for the first time since he joined the AF7 crew back in June, soon after his own graduation. After thanking the entire Wells community for all their support, he paid a special tribute to his former teachers, as well as a traditional Thai tribute to the campus leadership team of Mr. Ray (Headmaster), Mr. Jared (Vice Headmaster), and Ms. Pranee (Thai Director).

Ton then was given a tour of the new expansion project which was completed while he was still in the AF7 house. He marveled at the vast improvements in facilities, particularly the new Wells Performing Arts Center, where he was treated to an impromptu performance by the grade 4 and 5 students preparing for their Christmas show.

The Thong Lor Campus was also given a visit by Ton, who received a VIP greeting from the administration, followed by a tour and, of course, autograph signing and picture taking for the adoring students and staff members.

Ton is now practicing with the rest of the AF7 crew for their upcoming nationwide concert tour which kicks off on Saturday, October 30, at Muang Ton Thani Impact Arena.

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IMPACT ARENA, MUANG THONGTANI – Over 3 months of 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week scrutiny, grueling practice sessions, and weekly heart-pumping performances, came to a climactic end last night as Wells’ very own Nattawat “Ton” Deewongkij (ณัฐวัตร “ต้น” ดีวงกิจ) sang his heart out to a roaring audience at Muang Thongtani’s Impact Arena. His performances, as well as his kind-hearted, caring demeanor showcased on the around-the-clock reality TV show, earned him the love and admiration of fans across the country, whose votes propelled him all the way to the top … almost.

As the final performer out of the six remaining finalists, Ton sat for two hours before wooing the crowd with two contrasting performances: a Thai ballad “กล้าพอไหม” by Potato, followed by Ton’s favorite English song “It’s My Life,” originally performed by the American rock group Bon Jovi. Then, after the 3^rd to 6^th Place performers were named, Ton, excited, but emotionally exhausted, strolled up the catwalk alongside fellow finalist, and eventual winner, Por (อรรณพ “ปอ” ทองบริสุทธิ์) for the final announcement.

Aside from a number of cash and merchandise prizes (including a brand new Toyota Camry), Ton receives a lucrative 5-year contract as a recording/film artist, print model and spokesperson for True Corporation, the main sponsor of the Academy Fantasia entertainment franchise.

Among those in the audience were three busloads of Wells students and staff members, including several that had made the weekly trips to the AF7 concerts ever since Ton entered the competition in July, as well as fellow teen pop star and Wells student Darling of the group Sugar Eyes. Though visibly disappointed that Ton couldn’t accumulate enough votes to earn him the top prize, all were happy that he was able to even make it this far.

The AF7 finalists will be kicking off a cross-country tour beginning with a concert on October 30  in Bangkok, followed by performances in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Chiang Mai.

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Just as Wells alum Ton, Class of 2010, has been selected as the unprecedented first runner-up on Academy Fantasia’s seventh season, �ۿ۴�ý’s very own Arada “Darling” Arayawuth (อารดา “ดาร์ลิ่ง” อารยวุฒิ) is continuing her high-profile debut on Sony BMG Thailand with her group Sugar Eyes. With fellow members Praewah (ณชญาดา รุ่งสว่าง), Piglet (ชาราฎา อิมราพร), Nitaa (ปณิตา ธนโชติธรากร) and Cooky (สุรภา ภัทรประสิทธิ์), Darling and Sugar Eyes have already made a splash in the Thai music scene with their first single, a self-titled track that is available on the group’s , as is the accompanying music video (seen below).

Since launching the single in July, the young stars have tirelessly promoted their music, making major appearances around Bangkok, most recently on September 22nd at Siam Center, where they unveiled their second single and music video: Fall in Love. A slower and more tender song than their first release, Fall in Love has already drawn praise from both fans and critics, all of whom applauded the girls’ vocal talents.

While this may be Darling’s first major-label appearance, she has extensive experience in the modeling and performance world, having been featured in music videos for groups such as  B.O.Y. and Instinct, as well as commercials for major companies from McDonald’s to Yamaha. Not to be outdone in the classroom, she is recognized by her instructors to be a very intelligent and reflective student, having joined the Wells community on scholarship. Despite her intensive practices and work schedule, she has maintained high grades and is an active member of the senior girls basketball team.

Congratulations Darling, from all of your friends and family at Wells, and all the best as you continue on your path of success.

Video and images courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment Operating (Thailand)

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One month ago, Ton passed the initial hurdles to be named to the top 100 hopefuls. Two weeks ago, after living in the AF House under 24-hour surveillance, Ton made it through two more rounds, into the top 50 and down to the top 25, before being knocked off at the very end. This past Saturday night, at the first concert featuring the AF7 finalists, it was announced that a replacement would be joining the AF House the very next day. Then, a visibly excited Ton made his grand entrance on TV at 9:35pm Sunday evening, with hugs from the other eleven AF7 finalists welcoming him.

Following a week of training, viewable 24-hours-a-day on True Channel 60, Ton will perform in his first AF concert Saturday evening, July 24, televised on True Channel 7 live from Muang Thon Thani’s Thunderdome. Fans around the country will then have the opportunity to vote via SMS for their favorite AF7 finalist.

On behalf of the entire �ۿ۴�ý community, we would like to congratulate Ton for representing us well. We encourage everyone to tune in this Saturday and, if so inclined, show support for our very own superstar by texting in your votes for lucky #13. Additionally, feel free to upload pictures, comments and videos on Ton’s to increase his “Fan Power” and show him the support of the Wells community.

Once again, CONGRATULATIONS TON – WE’RE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU!!!

Photos courtesy of True Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.

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