Previously, a controversy arose when Pond Krisada Witthayakhachondej executive of Be On Cloud commented on a contestant speaking English during the “True Academy Fantasia 2026” audition, calling it a show-off. The clip sparked heavy criticism, leading the contestant to withdraw and forfeit their place in the competition.
Recently, Pond Krisada had the opportunity to clarify the matter for the first time, stating he did not intend to create hype, admitted that using that term was inappropriate, and that he was unaware the clip was used for promotional purposes.
Have you seen what happened?
“I’d like to speak on behalf of myself, the contestant, and her mother to tell the truth. I promise everything you hear is true. The contestant, Chen, applied through online auditions and was fast-tracked into the show. Some footage was seen, but the audition was not fully broadcast, only selected parts. Those who fast-track get a chance to talk and seek advice from me and Ohm for five minutes. Ohm spoke first, then I had a little time to talk.
I admit I have never been a commentator; I work behind the scenes as a producer. But I understand the show wanted us to give advice to help the contestant improve for the final performance. We saw her potential. Based on our experience, we knew there are limitations when mixing Thai and English, so I advised her. The way I said it was like a brother talking to a younger sister, in that atmosphere.
Looking back, I shouldn’t have used that term. But the truth is, after that, she accepted all the feedback openly and didn’t feel it was a problem. Afterwards, I talked with her further off-camera and explained other points. When I saw the clip, I must say my role in the show is to manage the show and develop artists to make the show enjoyable and help artists progress. I’m not responsible for the show’s social media. I had no knowledge of that.
We talked a bit before the clip surfaced. On the final audition day, she performed very well despite being sick and nervous. We held hands, looked at each other happily. That’s the truth.
If you want to know how genuine it was, after that day, the clip surfaced over a week later. She continued to live-stream, talking about which song she’d choose for her first performance if she got in, how happy she was, feeling positive about our advice and seeing her good results.
Then suddenly, she was live-streaming with fellow dream chasers. I had no idea the clip was going to be used for promotion. I saw only the headline about 'keeping the childlike charm'—which is her appeal—and shared it without knowing more because I wasn’t cautious. When it aired, I was shocked and told the team it shouldn’t have been used. I felt worried and knew trouble was coming. But there should have been an explanation of the context. Then things escalated.
Many people saw it. I’ve never been filmed this much before in my life, and people started worrying. I worried about myself too but tried to see the bigger picture. If I had spoken earlier, who would have been affected? I tried to be patient. I read all comments as a lesson for myself and the show. I want to know how the editor thought when cutting the clip so we can discuss it later. But I haven’t talked to them yet.”
How do you handle the criticism?
“Before reaching that point, I waited to meet them because I was concerned for the contestant. We raised her and understand what kids need—they want people to pay attention to their work because they have talent. But ultimately, she was noticed due to drama. Even before the show started, we had to consider this.
I started to see the atmosphere change. I was shocked too and noticed she didn’t live-stream happily like before. I followed and knew something was wrong. Would she be okay? Most people insulted me, but I know our relationship. Would she be okay?
Then I received news the next morning that she wanted to withdraw and give up her spot. I was shocked and confident her reason was the same feeling I had—that why were we dragged into this drama when the story was much better?
I asked the team for her number, wanting her and her mother to wait and talk to me. By the time I got the number it was evening, so I called immediately. The first question was whether I posted about it because they were probably shocked. I told them honestly I didn’t know and was shocked too, but I couldn’t do much because the social media pressure was intense and anyone seeing it would criticize.
I admit we need to improve communication skills. We talked with her and her mother, who understood, and tried to ask the show to cancel the withdrawal. But I’m only part of the show, not everything. There are procedures and paperwork. We tried to contact but were told it was too late.
As a producer, I understand the system, but as someone who cares about her, I was very sad. But she’s mature and said she accepted it and would find a way to continue as an artist. Everything I say is true.
If many think this was staged drama, I say it’s not. Even True doesn’t want this kind of drama. That era is over. If we look for who edited the clip, I think they didn’t expect it to escalate this much. Today, we discussed as a team to use this as a lesson to be more careful because now it’s 24/7 with no script, meaning anything can be released.”
Are you sure you truly didn’t know?
“I really didn’t know, I swear. Ask yourself, whoever it was wouldn’t want this clip released. My expression and demeanor were all wrong at that time. But I feel we must improve. Honestly, I wasn’t thinking clearly then. But the contestant is open and didn’t take it badly.”
When you learned she wanted to withdraw, what was the reason she couldn’t return?
“There were meetings with many judges. I’m only part of it, and the paperwork had already been submitted. By the time I talked to her, it was probably too late. While I was talking to her, I told the team not to post about the withdrawal yet. We saw the timing together. I understand the show has rules and has been around a long time, so I couldn’t interfere. I thought I had the right, but it involved many people, and since the documents were signed, it had to proceed.”
Can you revisit what you discussed with her after the cameras stopped rolling?
“We talked. I encouraged her to be natural. As I said, if you speak English clearly, that’s great—go ahead. When practicing Thai, try to speak only Thai, but if not, that’s okay, just take it slow. We continued the conversation because we already knew about the situation.”
So she wasn’t upset?
“She said she didn’t feel anything. I told her our relationship was very good; we were impressed by each other. Until the clip came out, she was hurt and wondered if this was reality or if I was twisting things to make it viral easily.”
So the clip damaged both her and you?
“It damaged a lot, including the show.”
Because many think it was for promotion?
“I asked that too. I have never used this method because I don’t think it’s constructive. I talked with management; no one sees creating drama as constructive. I don’t want to chase it anymore, but they probably didn’t expect it to be this serious.”
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