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Chicago actress crowned Miss International Queen 2005 at glittering extravaganza

Embassies captivate audience at birthday dinner in honor of HRH Princess Soamsawalee

Thai flag flies high at 66th Skål World Congress in Croatia

Chicago actress crowned Miss International Queen 2005 at glittering extravaganza

Miss International Queen 2005 was crowned at Tiffany’s Theater in an extravaganza that brought transsexuals from throughout the world together in a display of glamour and show business chutzpa that rivaled and possibly surpassed anything a conventional beauty contest could offer.

Supporters of the world-class pageant are (from left) Sutham Phanthusak, Managing Director of Tiffany Show Pattaya, Chanyuth Hengtrakul, Chonburi MP region 6 and Pinyo Tanwiset, Chairman of the Chonburi Provincial Administration Organization.

Led by Sutham Phanthusak, managing director of Tiffany Show Pattaya in cooperation with Chonburi Provincial Administration Organization, Pattaya City council and sponsors including Pattaya Mail, Coke, Pratunam Polyclinic, Shark Cool Bite, and Woodlands Resort, Miss International Queen 2005 saw 18 contestants from 10 countries take to the stage in the finals.

The judges have a hard time deciding.

Amongst them was Nong Noina, Tiptantree Rujiranon, winner of Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2005, who was representing Thailand. The atmosphere was vibrant, with special guests and Thai and foreign tourists cheering on the contestants.

Part of the fun is being able to mingle with the public at events like the one held at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital.

The contest began on October 25 with the contestants participating in activities set up by the organizing committee. These included the filming of a VTR at the Nature Study Center and Mangrove Forest Preservation, Khao Kheow Open Zoo and Ban Sukhawadee. They also visited the Beauty Center, participated in cake decoration and handed out cake to children. Dr Chakraphan Phongsathian, vice president of Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, welcomed them for a brief tour.

On October 26 the contestants toured Pattaya to promote the contest, the ladies sitting on the backs of chopper motorcycles.

On October 26 the contestants toured Pattaya to promote the contest, the ladies sitting on the backs of chopper motorcycles and applauded by the general public and tourists as the motorcade roared past.

On the big night the excitement reached fever pitch, as the 18 contestants stood on stage in their national costumes. Then the two presenters, Hart (Suthipong Tatpitakkul) and Maprang (Phawadee Vichienrat) along with field presenter Day Freeman explained the procedures and introduced the contestants.

Officially opening the event was Pinyo Tanwiseth, chairman of the Chonburi provincial administration organization, and Pattaya Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, who spoke of the importance of the event and helping to make transsexuals accepted in society.

The most beautiful girls of the evening (from left) Tiptantree Rujiranon from Thailand second runner up, Miss International Queen 2005, Mimi Marks from the USA and first runner up Yu Ri from Korea.

Once the event got underway the 18 contestants presented themselves in evening gowns before participating in the different categories. Miss Congeniality, voted by the contestants themselves, was won by Olivia Lauren from Indonesia. Miss Photogenic was Mary Jane Castro from the Philippines, Best National Dress was Yu Ri from Korea, Best Evening Gown was Mimi Marks from the USA, and Best Talent which was contested for on the previous evening was won by Tiffany Ross from the USA for her daring dancing abilities, which won the hearts of the judges.

Sutham Phanthusak present prizes to first runner up Yu Ri from Korea.

Next was a warm up for what was yet to come with a pretty beach theme performance by Nong Poy, Treechada Phetcharat, who was Miss International Queen 2004. Then the 10 contestants who had progressed to this stage came on stage in their sexy and colorful swimwear: Mimi Marks (USA), Yu Ri (Korea), Tiptantree Rujiranon (Thailand), Tiffany Ross (USA), Andressa (Brazil), Sean Pacifico (Philippines), Mika Lee Adriano (Philippines), Victoria Rall (USA), and Zsane Braxton (USA).

Mimi receives the prize for ‘best evening gown’ from Saisom Wongsasuluk, President of the Caring Hearts for AIDS Foundation.

This whittled the contestants down to five: Mimi Marks (USA), Yu Ri (Korea), Tiptantree Rujiranon (Thailand), Victoria Rall (USA) and Andressa (Brazil). At this stage each contestant was posed a question which each managed to answer charmingly, giving the judges a difficult time in deciding who to vote for.

Before the moment of truth Nong Poy came on stage in an evening gown to pass on the crown and thanked everyone who had helped her to fulfill her ambitions. Then the results were announced in reverse order.

Mimi Marks from the USA is crowned Miss International Queen 2005. Pinyo Tanwiseth, chairman of the Chonburi provincial administration organization presents her award.

Miss Tiptantree Rujiranon, Thailand’s representative, was 2nd runner up. Yu Ri from Korea was 1st runner up. The audience silenced until the announcement “and the winner from the USA Mimi Marks” when the theater erupted into applause.

Mimi was overjoyed. She won prize money of US$8,000, a sash, a crown, a trophy, and a round trip Bkk-Shenzhen-Bkk airline ticket from Bangkok Airways amongst other prizes. Pinyo Tanwiseth and Mayor Niran presented the prizes.

Yu Ri from Korea won best national dress - Aree Sriyeam presents the prize.

Mimi said that she was overjoyed at winning and never dreamt that she would do so because all the contestants were beautiful. She added that even if she had not won a prize she would have still been happy with the chance to compete because she was impressed with Thailand. This was her first trip and she found Thais very friendly and great hosts.

She said the contest had helped to widen the transsexual culture. When asked what were the three most important points in her decision to compete, she replied support from her family, good health and the prestige of transsexuals in society.

Yuwarat Kamolvej, former Governor of Chonburi province presents the trophy and prizes to second runner up Nong Noi-nar.

Mimi hails from Chicago. She graduated as a beautician and works as an actress at the Baton Show Lounge, in her home city. She won the Miss Transsexual 2004 contest in Las Vegas with her 38-25-30 vital statistics and 170 cm height. And this time around she won the hearts of the judges in Miss International Queen 2005.

Pattaya Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn presents an armful of prizes to Mimi.

The two presenters, Hart and Maprang, expertly kept the evening moving along from event to event, with professionalism and humor.

Alisa Phanthusak, (left) Assistant Managing Director of Tiffany’s Show Pattaya organizer of the contest, Kanjana Saisiriporn (2nd left) and Sirinda Jansen, Miss Thailand World 2005 (right) with the beauty queens.

Tiffany dancers perform the opening extravaganza with a gigantic Pattaya Mail as the stage setting.

Olivia Lauren from Indonesia won Miss Congeniality

Mimi Marks woos the audience and the judges with her beauty and poise.

Miss Photogenic was Mary Jane Castro from the Philippines.

Second-runner up Tiptantree Rujiranon shows off Thai elegant beauty.

Yu Ri from Korea won the national dress category.

Next up was a colorful swimwear event.

Who is going to win?

Tiffany Ross from USA won the “Miss Talent Competition 2005” with her amazing dance performance.

Nong Poy Miss International Queen 2004 performs her farewell beach cabaret.

Contestants from around the globe enjoyed showing off their colorful swimwear.

Embassies captivate audience at birthday dinner in honor of HRH Princess Soamsawalee

The stage with the larger-than-life portrait of Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawalee.

Women of the YWCA worked alongside wives of ambassadors in Thailand to organize a formal dinner in honor of the recent 48th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawalee. A celebration was arranged in the ballroom of the Royal Marine and several hundred guests attended. The long corridor was decorated with a photo exhibition about the Princess and precious jewelry was up on sale to the cr่me de la cr่me of Bangkok’s society.

M.L.Saralee Kitiyakorn Jirathiwat also attended the party in honour of her Royal sister.

On stage, upon a dark background covered with stars, people could admire a larger-than-life portrait of the Princess. Giant screens were placed all over the hall to enable every attendee to enjoy the great number of shows.

On arrival, the Princess was formally greeted by Dr Jareed Ongkauwan, president of YWCA Bangkok, Christina Helwig-Larsen, wife of the Danish ambassador and organizer of this event, and Nitda Chanwanich, advisor to the committee of directors. The Royal hymn was played upon the Princess’s entrance into the hall.

Many guests came from Pattaya to attend this prestigious function.

Suchada Terehatanakul was the charming emcee and Dr Jareed presented the welcome speech. A multivision presentation was shown to introduce the Princess’s numerous charity projects, before she handed gifts to the different sponsors.

All attending embassies staged shows that enthralled the audience. Australia’s Jonathan Glonek played a solo on the violin, members of the Japanese embassy performed a traditional drum dance and the New Zealand embassy flew in Maori warriors to display an authentic “Haka”. Stretching out their tongues, the three warriors provoked a joyful atmosphere as they showed the typical greeting of their nationality.

India presented a traditional wedding, the acting ambassador of Peru danced enchantingly with his beautiful Indonesian wife and the delegation from Chile performed their national dance. After the Chinese delegation exhibited a dance of fans, the wives of the different ambassadors put the latest evening fashion on the catwalk in a masterly manner.

The ladies of society also presented a very beautiful musical, the “Nostalgic Fashion Show on Broadway”. A special highlight was the performance by M.L.Saralee Kitiyakorn Jirathiwat, who sang several songs on stage.

Each performer received a bouquet of flowers after the show finished from the Princess herself, who praised everyone before leaving the event at around 11 p.m.

Some of the guests at the dinner.

Thai flag flies high at 66th Skål World Congress in Croatia

A Tale of Two Cities

by Andrew J Wood

The advanced party had reached Don Muang airport early and as I arrived, a sea of smiling faces met me. All around the group of intrepid travellers were heaps of boxes and luggage, an enormous 300kgs of excess baggage. It was the marketing material and brochures that we were taking to Zagreb in Croatia, in our push to ensure that as many Skål members as possible, from around the world, joined the 67th Congress, which is to take place here in Pattaya in 12 months time.

The Pattaya team cheers as Thailand is announced during the spectacular flag ceremony.

Thankfully, we had received advanced clearance from Austrian Airlines to ship the 17 or so boxes. Our only worry now was how we were going to clear them through customs in Zagreb and how many pack mules would we need?

The first night get-together party was well attended, with over 850 Skål members and approximately 100 dignitaries. The Aussies were out in force with almost 150 Skålleagues attending, adding life and spice to a fun party.

Andrew Wood presents a copy of the Amazing Pattaya VCD to Jan Sunde, the newly elected President of Skål International.

Earlier that day the 11-man delegation from Thailand had set up display booths and stands. The whole team worked cohesively together to provide an ‘information centre’ and a contact point for any information on next year’s congress in Pattaya. The toy dolls provided by TAT were an instant hit, as were the 6-year pocket calendars provided by the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. The Pattaya brochure and VCD were also going like hot cakes!

Peter Malhotra addresses the delegates as Malai Sakolviphak, Andrew Khoo and Deputy Mayor Wirawat Khakhay look on.

Strategically positioned outside the main doors of the conference hall, the stands were very well visited. Working hard with the Thailand team were Pattaya’s Deputy Mayor Veerawat Khakhay, Apichart Puetpan, Pattaya City deputy permanent secretary, and Andrew Khoo, the chairman of the 67th Skål World Congress Organising Committee. Working alongside were Paisan Bundityanond (Mr. Rabbit), and Michael Swart and Marcel Sawyere from the Royal Cliff. Also seen scurrying about was Pattaya congress PR director Peter Malhotra busily making notes and taking pictures. Rosalin Khoo oversaw the operations offering her feminine touch and finesse to the proceedings.

Deputy Mayor Wirawat gets down to the business of setting up the Pattaya stand with the help of Marcel Sawyere.

The Pattaya delegates were joined at the congress by Malai Sakolviphak, Thailand’s Skål president and Horst Hornung, director of PR and communications for Skål Asia and Koh Samui.

Also visiting the congress was a strong team from the TAT office in Europe, lead by Junnapiya Jamnong, director for France and Benelux. She brought along a many goodies and giveaways including delicious kanom sweets and a professional display board, promoting Amazing Thailand.

The following day was the official opening ceremony, including the spectacular flag ceremony. The whole Thailand contingent, dressed in dazzling Skål turquoise Thai Silk jackets, enthusiastically welcomed the arrival of the Thailand flag, which was met with thunderous applause from the 1000 or so people attending.

In his opening address the outgoing president of Skål International, Matanyah Hecht outlined a year of activities under the theme started by his two predecessors, “Tourism Through Friendship & Peace” and “Doing Business Among Friends”. He mentioned a number of examples where Skål had been able to break through political and cultural barriers, for the benefit of tourism, and amicable, a theme that continues today to be very relevant in a very uncertain world. Included in his remarks was also a special mention of the work initiated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Royal Cliff Beach Resort in their campaign for the Fight Against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), in which he offered support and praise.

The Thailand delegation are welcomed to the congress by two very pretty Croatian girls dressed in their national costumes.

Welcome speeches from the secretary for tourism for the Republic of Croatia, the mayor of Zagreb, Milan Bandicand, and the president of the organizing committee, Nik Racic was followed by a highly professional cultural show including a charming rendition of “My Croatia” by the National Children’s Choir.

Two days of busy working sessions included the election of the new board of directors under the Norwegian leadership of the new president of Skål International - Jan H. Sunde, former vice president, and a presentation by Pattaya to ensure the delegates that we would be ready to receive a record breaking number of delegates to the congress next year.

Peter was chosen to be our spokesman and in his impassioned speech he said that, “The attendance of Skålleagues to the congress venues depends not only on how popular the destination is, but more importantly it relied upon Skålleagues as a whole. To further the ideals of Skål and to make what all that has been discussed during the meetings come true and make a difference, Skålleagues must ‘recommit ourselves’ by supporting all world congresses, no matter where they are held. Only with unity and our commitment to expanding friendships through more participation can Skål achieve its objectives.” With that he told the captivated audience that we expect to welcome thousands of Skålleagues and their families to Pattaya next year.

When the vote was taken from the floor to reconfirm Pattaya as the venue for next year’s congress the room was filled with cheering as green cards of approval were waved vigorously above the delegates’ heads ascertaining that “Yes, we will be there in force.”

The next day the whole congress flew 572 km south, to the historic city of Dubrovnik. Some very early departure times by chartered jet meant a number of 3:30 a.m. departures and so everyone was quite literally bright and breezy if not a little sleepy!

Following a fascinating walking tour and a journey back through time to the early 7th Century B.C., all delegates were hosted to a sumptuous farewell party, nautically themed, to match the venue. Pirates and local fayre were in abundance, although many delegates were thinking of their 3:30 a.m. departures again that morning!

After long farewells, it was back to Zagreb and a short transfer via Vienna to Bangkok. All the delegates came away with a feeling that many acquaintances were renewed, new friends were made, with many new contacts that ensure that we can “do business among friends”.

The team from Thailand also worked hard, not only to show Skålleagues from around the world that we meant business, but that we could also be friends and colleagues; yes, sometimes in competition within the business environment, but when needed, we can work together for the benefit of Thailand and Pattaya.

It was evident that Croatia had pulled out all the stops to ensure a memorable congress. On the journey home there was much discussion on what Thailand and Pattaya needed to do and everyone agreed ... the 67th Skål World Congress will be even better!