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An sister group of AKB48 based overseas, "BNK48" (Bangkok 48) first members were announced in February 2017. Three members of the newly formed group, perspective captain Cherprang, Can, and Nam-Nueng visited Fukuoka and took to the stage at the Fukuoka Asia Collection (FACo), one of the biggest fashion shows in Kyushu! We spoke to the three of them about their lives as idols in Thailand, what they're interested in, and their goals for the future. Read on to find-out more!

asianbeat(ab)： Would you mind telling us your names?

(From left to right) Can, Nam-Nueng and Cherprang
Can： My name is Can. I'm 19 years old and from Bangkok.

Nam-Nueng： Sawatdii kha! (Hello！) I'm Nam-Nueng and I'm 20.

Cherprang： I'm Cherprang and I'm 20, the same as Nam-Nueng.

ab： During your trip to Fukuoka you participated in FACo and also got the chance to go up on stage? What was it like?

Can： I was so nervous and excited before it started. But on the stage, I felt so happy because the audience seemed to enjoy what I did. I'm pretty satisfied with how it went. I did my best.

Nam-Nueng： I was also feeling the nerves, but I enjoyed walking down the runway. I did better than I had expected.

Cherprang： I was also really nervous. I haven't had any experience of being on a stage, so I was also really nervous but it was an amazing thing to do. I gave it my best shot.

ab： You all did a great job! What made you decide to audition for "BNK48?"

Can： It was their anime. The AKB48 anime was broadcast in Thailand and I really got into watching it. I've always liked Japanese culture, particularly the films and music. I wanted to become an idol, so I just tried straight away!

Nam-Nueng： I've liked singing and dancing since I was small, but I'd never really had the chance to show that off. So auditioning for "BNK48" seemed like a great opportunity. That's why I decided to give it a go.

Cherprang： I've been a huge "AKB48" for a long time, that's why I decided to audition.

ab： Speaking of "AKB48," have you all known about them for a long time?

Can： The "AKB48" anime, which I mentioned earlier, introduced a lot of people in Thailand to the group. I'm one of them!

Nam-Nueng： Volleyball is really popular in Thailand. I'm a big fan and supporter of the Japanese volleyball team. One of the players liked "AKB 48," and that's how I became a fan of the group.