A year ago, Tata Young was wowing fans with high-powered concerts at Impact Arena celebrating the release of her album "Dangerous Tata".

Now, Thailand's pop icon has people of all ages staring at their TV screens as she strips off her jacket to reveal black lingerie and performs some seriously sexy moves in the music video of "El Nin-Yo!", the first single from her newest English-language album "Temperature Rising".

The singer recently returned from a series of shows in Japan, where she's been promoting the album, for some interviews and a party with local fans.

"We've had a lot of success in Japan. 'El Nin-Yo' is up to No 6 on the charts there and No 1 on Nagoya's radio station. The album is at No 10," she says.

Yet despite conquering that all-important market and achieving almost international stardom, Tata says she's just going with the flow.

"I sing what the producers write."

Neither is she thinking in terms of becoming an international icon like her idol, Madonna.

"I haven't reached that international standard. I am ambitious, but I haven't set that goal yet. It's not like I want to be the US president."

It all sounds good, except that her songs sound very similar to those of many other female stars.

Tata is often compared to American popstar, Britney Spears. She is not doing anything to negate that image either, noting that David Gray, who worked with Spears, produced her recent album.

"I am getting old," says Tata, 26, referring to the innocent image that many Thais still have of the 14-year-old who became an overnight sensation.

"When we think of an international image, it is sexy like Britney or Beyonce. And I think women should be sexy."

Tata has no need to worry. Many of her fans love her brazen wantonness, that increasingly "sexy, naughty, bitchy" attitude that has won her both admirers and critics.

Recently, a chubby boy imitated Tata's dance moves, complete with the seductive hip movements, and broadcast his video on YouTube. Tata was so impressed that she asked to meet him.

 "It was really cute, really hilarious. His mother supported him too. It's not harming anyone," she says.

When asked what she would like to say former senator Rabiabrat Pongpanich, her staunchest critic, Tata simply replies, "Thank you."

"She's doing her job, fighting for women's rights. I appreciate what she does."

Does she feel Rabiabrat is too traditional?

"It's really not for me to judge. I mean she's how old? She has experience way beyond my years, so she should know what she is doing."

But the comments won't stop her from sticking out her tongue or shaking her butt in public.

Tata will be setting straight a popular misconception about herself with her next single "Zoom", which warns men to look but not touch.

"Guys look at my body rather than my head. But I'm smart. I'm an A-grade student in art and music, subjects I like," she beams.

Tata is also the darling of gay groups all over the world.

"I think it's great. All my friends are gay. I only have one girlfriend and that's 'Kay' [Cholada Mekratree]. I have a split personality. I am not too lady-like and not too manly, I am in between."

Although many people see Tata as an ambitious go-getter there's another side to her that only friends, family and her boyfriend get to see.

"People who really know me think I'm a silly girl, with a perky, goofy, funny character. Friends think that I have things coming out of my mouth that shouldn't," she adds.

"I like doing romantic things, that don't have to be about your boyfriend. I want to do things like wash socks for my dad."

One day, she hopes to be a mother.

"I think it's every girl's dream to be a mum. Even though my mother has died, I know a lot of things she did helped me become the person that I am. It's my turn to teach someone to become a good person."

After working hard rehearsing for the new album, Tata is looking forward to catching up on her sleep.

"It's so tiring it tears you into pieces."

She'd also like to take up the same hobby as her favourite actress Kate Hudson - pole dancing. And she wouldn't mind trying her hand at fashion design.

"It's fun. I'd like to do a line - something like Madonna did with H&M. But I would have to get more money before I could consider it. So whether it's going to be D&G or H&M we'll have to wait and see."

Despite being an international star, Tata hasn't forgotten her Thai fans.

"I am Thai. How can I forget my roots?"

Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra

The Nation