Photos by Yada Ordiazz

At just 15, Prapaporn ‘Nong Fiat’ Srimuang doesn’t listen to fairy tales. Known on stage as Queen on Street, she lives a real-life tale that embodies the magic of talent meeting opportunity.

The young musician’s journey began humbly in Patong several years ago, where a 7-year-old singer mesmerized crowds on Soi Bangla with heartfelt performances, each one captured on video by her supportive father.

Little did they know these videos, widely shared on YouTube, would catapult Nong Fiat into international stardom. But that’s exactly what happened when she was discovered by Johan Jamtberg, a Swedish vocal coach.

“The lessons were offered for free because the coach was so impressed by my street performances. I’ve been traveling to Sweden every summer for vocal training since,” Fiat shares.

“The first overseas country I performed in was Sweden. It was for a fundraising event on Swedish National Day, and I was the only Thai artist there,” she adds.

Paris soon followed, with an invitation to the prestigious “Made of Music” event, placing her among renowned international artists (as the only Thai once again).

“They saw me on YouTube and invited me to join the concert,” Fiat recalls, still in awe of the experience.

Her journey continued this year in Barcelona, Spain, where she competed in a global singing competition, proudly representing Sweden, thanks to her Swedish coach.

This chance encounter with “Coach Jo,” who found her performing in Patong, changed everything. Yet, it was Fiat’s own hard labour which earns her sports at events in Europe and North America. This December she is scheduled to travel to Canada.

The dedication and skill gained through years of mentorship have led not only to international acclaim but also to her own music releases. Unsurprisingly, her debut single, “You Can Have It All,” was recorded in Sweden.

Adding to this remarkable journey is Fiat’s new band, formed with talented younger musicians her father discovered.

“We started playing together about two years ago, and it felt like a natural fit. On December 15, when I perform in Toronto, Canada, it will be our debut as a band,” she reveals.

Nong Fiat will return to Phuket in January, giving local fans a chance to see her perform on Soi Bangla in Patong or on Thalang Road in Phuket Town.

The RL Phuket team has already subscribed to Facebook.com/QueenOnStreet to catch the next street show, meanwhile enjoying Fiat’s voice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.