The Models Go to Thailand Next Week on America's Next Top Model  5/4/06

THE MODELS MUST MEET AND IMPRESS LOCAL THAILAND DESIGNERS AND POSE BEACHSIDE IN BIKINIS, ON "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL," WEDNESDAY, MAY 10 ON UPN

Designers Kai Kawtong and Rai von Bueren, ElleGirl Promotions Director Christy Bayle and Op Swim Creative Director Eric Crane Make Guest Appearances; Creative Director Disaya Prakobsantisukh Serves As A Guest Judge

"The Girls Go To Phuket" -- The final four models meet Thai designer Pichita Rucksajit who sends them on a challenge to travel via "tuk tuk" (Thai taxis) to meet and impress local designers; after which the girls fly to Phuket where Tyra talks about the Tsunami to remind them of the importance of respecting local history and culture when modeling internationally, on AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, Wednesday, May 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on UPN. Designers Kai Kawtong and Rai von Bueren, ElleGirl promotions director Christy Bayle and Op Swim creative director Eric Crane make guest appearances; and creative director Disaya Prakobsantisukh serves as a guest judge.

Later the models pose beachside in Op bikinis for a spread in the June/July 2006 issue of ElleGirl magazine and Amp'd Mobile, photographed by judge Nigel Barker.

PARTICIPANTS:

Brooke, Student; age 22 of Corpus Christi , Texas

Danielle, Babysitter; age 20 of Little Rock , Ark.

Furonda, Student; age 24 of Stuttgart , Ark.

Gina, Translator; age 21 of Tampa , Fla.

Jade, Restaurant Hostess; age 26 of Philadelphia

Joanie, Sales Associate; age 24 of Beaver Falls , Pa.

Kari, Student; age 18 of Brookings , S.D.

Kathy, House Painter; age 20 of Brevard , N.C.

Leslie, Student; age 18 of Higley , Ariz.

Mollie Sue, Waitress; age 25 of Tampa , Fla.

Nnenna, Chemist; age 24 of Houston

Sara, Student; age 22 of Davis , Calif.

Wendy, Retail Assistant Manager; age 22 of New Orleans

The winner of UPN's AMERICA 'S NEXT TOP MODEL will have the opportunity to be managed by Ford Models.  She also receives a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl.  Finally, the winner appears in a fashion spread in Elle magazine.

Source: UPN Press Release