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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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.

The post Seahawk Alum “Ton” is AF7 First Runner-Up! first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post Seahawk Alum “Ton” is AF7 First Runner-Up! appeared first on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.