Thailand’s Got Talent star Nuntita Khampiranon, better known as Bell Nuntita, has spoken about her pride in becoming a transgender role model.

‘If I didn’t come out, I wouldn’t be able to be a role model or an idol for transgender people in Thailand,’ she said in an interview with Time Out Hong Kong.

‘Right now, most of the transgenders adore me – and I will never forget where I come from.’

Khampiranon amazed the audience at the talent show this year when she shifted from a soaring female voice to a low masculine sound during a performance. She told the judges she is transgender.

In her interview with Time Out Hong Kong Khampiranon said that she didn’t see herself as an activist but wanted to focus on her singing career and help the transgender community by showing that ‘they can make it in this industry too’.

Speaking about her childhood, Khampiranon said that her father used to beat her for being a ‘sissy’ and she’s had to support herself since after primary school.

Watch Khampiranon on Thailand’s Got Talent here: