Thai rising star Orm Kornnaphat, affectionately known as Orm, faced a distressing ordeal during a fan meet-and-greet in Changsha, China, on August 20. What should have been a joyful gathering turned chaotic as the event organisers allegedly overworked Orm and her team, causing her to break down in tears in front of fans. The incident has sparked outrage online and raised concerns about safety and management in cross-border entertainment events.
Allegations of Exploitation
According to attendees, the event organiser, Henan 109 Culture Media Co., reportedly oversold fan benefits, including face-to-face autographs and one-on-one photo sessions. These perks, originally part of the standard fan package, were allegedly resold at inflated prices of up to RMB 3,000 (about SGD 593) and RMB 5,000 (around SGD 988), leaving ordinary fans feeling exploited. Observers noted that Orm and her mother, Mae Koy, were forced to work continuously for seven to eight hours with minimal breaks to fulfil obligations, a practice critics have labelled “hidden overtime.” The disruption ultimately prompted police intervention to maintain order.
Orm’s Emotional Response
Despite the exhaustion, Orm prioritised her fans’ experience, repeatedly apologising on stage while comforting them, emphasising that the chaos was not their fault. The heart-wrenching scene highlighted her dedication and professionalism, with fans expressing both sympathy and anger at the organisers’ mismanagement. Orm’s tears were reportedly a reaction to her inability to meet all fans’ expectations rather than mere fatigue.
University Intervention and Fan Reactions
In response to the unfolding chaos, Orm’s alma mater, Thailand’s Srinakharinwirot University, swiftly sent a team and transport to safely escort her from the venue. The university emphasised that it had no affiliation with the organisers and acted solely to protect their student. Orm later reassured her fans via social media that she was safe, writing, “I’m okay, everyone, please go home safely.” Meanwhile, fans launched petitions demanding accountability from the organisers and called for stricter oversight of international events to prevent similar exploitation in the future.