The much-hyped Thai model “Tawan,” aka “Thai-ger,” was crowned the winner of Season 4 of reality series Asia’s Next Top Model last night, slaying 13 other finalists from 10 countries across Asia.
Jiratchaya “Tawan” Kedkong, 20, was pitted against Patricia Gunawan from Indonesia and Sang In Kim from South Korea. She emerged triumphant and became the second Thai contestant to win Asia’s Next Top Model, following Jessica Amornkuldilok on Season 1.
Tawan, who had to chop her hair off in the makeover episode for an edgier look, was tested on everything she learned throughout the season in the finale — from couture runways and photoshoots to high-fashion editorial shoots.
This season’s final photoshoot was themed “Avant-Garde,” with the girls posing in haute couture outfits designed by Filipina designer, Happy Andrada. The outfits were chosen based on the finalists’ cultural heritage, with Tawan in a Sabai inspired dress, Patricia representing Indonesia’s national flower, and Sang In inspired by futuristic Gangnam culture.
Commenting on her win, Tawan said: “When I joined the competition, I never dreamed that I would be the winner. Asia’s Next Top Model has been a true journey of transformation in every sense.Being the winner of Asia’s Next Top Model Season 4 is a life-changing moment and I’m so proud to be representing Thailand!”
A show’s host, Cindy Bishop, a Thai model and actress, said Tawan truly deserves the title as the contestant who made the biggest transformation throughout the competition.
“I’ve seen Tawan grow and learn throughout the season—from a shy girl who lacked confidence, to a strong and fierce model,” Cindy said.
As the winner of Asia’s Next Top Model, Tawan was awarded an all-new Subaru XV, a contract as the 2016 face of hair product line TRESemmé, a fashion cover shoot for Harper’s Bazaar Singapore and a trip to Europe to be represented by one of the world’s most prestigious modeling agencies — Storm Model Management.
