A-Time Media's popular radio station 94 EFM brought 20 contenders to the AKA Resort in Hua Hin last weekend eager to take part in its latest activity, "94 Hrs Make Over 2 Be Star".

Over the course of two days, the fans were helped to look like their favourite artists, who included Nicole Panphum, Dag Big Ass, Cherry Khem-aksorn, Um Patcharapa, Ken Teeradej, Off AF2, Nan Charita Feuangarom, girl duo Neko Jump, Korean singer Jay Chou, Woranuch "Noon" Wongsawan and Korean actress Song Hae Kyo.

On hand to provide the make overs were designer and stylist Saruda "Koong" Nimpitakpong, hairstylist Somsak "Dang" Chalachol, and model and makeup artist Ornapa "Ma" Krisadee.

On Saturday, Saruda organised a workshop to explain how they should dress to match their personalities.

"Most Thai women are shorter from the waist down than Europeans. They have bigger thighs and buttocks too," explained the designer.

"And 80 per cent select clothes that are totally unsuitable. I once asked a girl how she shopped for her outfit and she told me that her friend chose it for her. Then, I asked about her friend's body type and she answered that her pal was very slim. No wonder her clothes didn't suit her."

The following morning, the group went for a pre-breakfast exercise session with actors Pathraphol "Paul" Silapajan, Vithas Singlampong of "Seasons Change", and Prappadol Suwanbang of "The Legend of King Naresuan".

Then, it was time for sessions with Somsak who teased locks into their heroes' styles, and Ornapa, who patiently applied the makeup.

"Imitating a favourite artist has to come from the soul," said Somsak.

"Hairdressing today about supporting the personality. Stylists should be well-educated."

"I felt bad that some of these youngsters bore no similarity to their favourite artist," said Ornapa.

"It was very hard to make them over to be like the favourite stars. Makeup alone can't help them look like celebrities."

After dark, Paradox and Sunita Leetikul delighted the crowds with their music and then it was time to announce the winners. Aphichat Aukrit won the first prize for his Dag Big Ass lookalike, Kornkamol and Benya Kambunlert came in second as duo Neko Jump, and Supranee Sutakan took home third prize for her Korean actress lookalike.

"I have two feelings about winning," said a beaming Aphichat, a new graduate from Rajabhat University, Nakhon Sawan.

"I'm very proud to look like him but I'm also sorry that I'm not him."

Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

The Nation