Model Baitong's reach for the top delayed by a nasty scare

 You might have read about the telecast in the news, because the TV studio in the southwest city of Mannheim had to be evacuated in the middle of the show due to a very credible bomb threat.

The final was well underway last Thursday evening (Friday morning in Thailand, not that a lot of Thais would have been watching even if they could have) and Baitong – who the Germans with their funny language call Anu – had strutted her perfect body and distinctive Asian looks into the final three vying for the top prize.

Baitong was born here but moved to Germany at a young age. No less a gorgeous figure than German supermodel Heidi Klum picked her to be one of the 20 contestants on the show, and Heidi’s taste (she’s also one of the regular judges) proved excellent when Baitong made it to finals. 

They were just about to announce the name of winner when the telecast came to an abrupt end and everyone was rushed outside. Police explained later that they’d received a bomb threat from an anonymous female caller and early reports indicated a suspicious-looking contraption was noticed in the theatre. Ultimately no bomb was found, but it was too late for “Next Top Model” to proceed. 

“We’re sorry, but we’ll no longer be broadcasting today,” programmer ProSieben declared on Twitter. “Dear GNT fans, the evening did not end as I would have wished!” Klum tweeted in confirmation. “Safety comes first!"

More than 10,000 people – audience, contestants, crew and the judges including Klum – were ushered into the streets, but the only damage done was to the show’s momentum. The final has unofficially been rescheduled for May 28, and that at least gives Thai fans more time to sing Baitong’s praises on YouTube and the social media. 

Meanwhile Baitong’s brother Techin Ploypetch, a DJ and actor, is keeping her supporters updated via Facebook. He posted a photo of Baitong sleeping soundly after the bomb scare, adding the brotherly comment, “You must be under a lot of pressure, my baby sister. You’ve gone through a lot to come this far and become the pride of the Thai people.”

Techin says her emotional state couldn’t be higher because she also just recently met her father after almost 15 years, and then came the success of the show – and the bomb threat. “So many things you’ve got to face!” Almost 60,000 followers warbled a collective “aw” and shared the post. Techin has also posted clips from the TV contest. 

Baitong’s reunion with her father happened last month as a direct result of her participation in the show. The contestants were flown to Los Angeles to tape a segment and that’s where the old man lives. It was a touching, emotional and very public reunion with respectful wai gestures and plenty of tears. 

Baitong has evidently retained her Thai politeness despite growing up overseas. “I met her at a temple fair in Hamburg on Songkran Day and she’s cute, kind and very charming, with very good manners,” a fan named Percha testifies on YouTube.

Soopsip wishes her the best of luck, but if she wins the competition, she’d better be prepared to get dragged back here to confront the Thai media army!