22-year-old Venezuelan
Isabella Santiago (center) has been crowned this year’s Miss
International Queen. She is flanked by 1st runner-up Nissa Ketrahong
(left) from Thailand and 2nd runner-up Piyada Inthawong of Laos.
Teerarak Suthathiwong
A 22-year-old Venezuelan triumphed over 21 other transgender
contestants from 18 countries to win the crown at the Miss International
Queen pageant in Pattaya.
Isabella Santiago took home 440,000 baht in prizes at the glittering
Nov. 7 pageant, the world’s largest of its type and a major vehicle for
promoting the rights of transvestites and transsexuals. As part of the
prizes, Santiago, who also won the prize for best evening gown, can also
opt for free cosmetic surgery.
Santiago, who wore a shimmery white evening gown, laughed and said
“Sleep!” when asked by the media about plans after the win.
“When on stage, she is so elegant and that’s why the judges’ decision
was unanimous,” said Seri Wongmontha, one of the pageant’s judges told
the media.
Like other beauty pageants, contestants for “Miss International Queen”
paraded in their national costumes, evening gowns and swimsuits at the
Tiffany Theatre.
Contestants had participated in pageant activities for almost a week to
promote tourism, publicize their capabilities and raise money for King
Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital Organ Transplant Centre.
Thai contestant Nissa Ketrahong placed second and won Best Traditional
Dress and Miss Photogenic, securing 150,000 baht in prizes.
Piyada Inthawong of Laos finished third and won the Miss Popular Vote
title and a total of 95,000 baht in prizes.
The Special Talent Award belonged to Samira Sitara from the United
States who took home 30,000 baht. Samira told the media afterward
participating in the contest was a “dream come true” as Samira had just
come out as gay publicly.
The Miss Friendship Award went to Uni Carrie from Cuba, who won 20,000
baht.
