(L to R) Miss Tiffany
Universe 2009 Haruna Ai, this year’s 2nd runner-up Siriworakorn Buttayothi,
Miss Tiffany Universe 2012 Panwilas Mongkol, first runner up Nisha
Chaiyapruek, and Miss Tiffany Universe 2011 Sammy Sripassorn Akhayakorn.
Warunya Thongrod
A 21-year-old haute couture dress dealer bested 29 other
transsexuals to win the 2012 Miss Tiffany Universe pageant.
Panwilas Mongkol, who began a company to rent expensive
gowns, took home 1.5 million baht in cash and prizes, plus a new Honda Jazz
compact.
The moment of truth, when
Panwilas Mongkol learns she’s won!
Panwilas said she was encouraged to join the competition
by her mother, who was in the audience when the she won the crown May 4 at
the Tiffany Theater. She will represent Thailand in Tiffany’s Miss
International Queen pageant later this year.
“I promise to work hard to prepare for the competition,
whether that means learning extra languages or practicing for various talent
competitions,” Panwilas said.
The first runner-up was Nisha Chaiyapruek, 23. Her win
was unusual in that the Pattalung native came into the contest deeply
tanned, running counter to the common Thai perception beauty requires white
skin.
Panwilas Mongkol, Miss
Tiffany Universe 2012 struts her stuff along the stage, waving to and
thanking her fans.
“I never expected to be in the final three as my skin
color is not popular in Thailand,” Nisha said. “I think it is important to
see that tanned people be accepted in society.”
Nisha took home 100,000 baht in prize money. Third-place
finisher Siriworakarn Buttayotho, 21, won 70,000 baht.
Tiffany’s transgender pageants continue to grow in
popularity in Thailand and in the many Asian countries where they are
televised.
Tiffany Show Assistant Managing Director Alisa Phanthusak
noted the pageant picked up two new major sponsors this year including Kiss
Gluta 200, a health supplement used to whiten skin. By being named “Miss
Kiss Gluta 200,” contestant Nisamanee Lertworapong won 10,000 baht and was
given a free pass into the finals.
Piya Kittitheepornchai,
general manager of Kiss Gluta products, presents the Miss Kiss Gluta award
to Nisamnee Leetworapong.
High-tech retailer Banana IT also got its name in lights
by creating a “Miss Social Network” prize. Nisamanee also won this prize,
which was awarded based on Internet votes cast on Facebook. For this title,
she won an Apple iPad.
“The Miss Tiffany contest is to help promote the ‘third
sex’ and help them become more accepted in society,” explained Managing
Director Sutham Phanthusak. “Winning prizes in Miss Tiffany Universe will
help them get good jobs.”
Pageant contestants not only paraded down the catwalk,
but also aided the community. Before the finals, the 30 participants visited
the Banglamung Home for the Elderly, donating toiletries and offering
residents lunch.
Sutham Phanthusak (right), MD
of Tiffany Show Co. Ltd., presents the first runner up award to Nisha
Chaiyapruek.
Judging was done by a panel including Associate Professor
Seri Wongmonta, Thep Vejvisit of Pratunam Poly Clinic; Saisom Wongsasuluk,
president of the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Center; Dr. Prayoon
Janetrakoonroj, director of Asoke Skin Hospital; Sasamon Sanguansin;
chairman of Perfect Slim Co.; Vichai Walapol, president of the Mass Media
Photographers Association of Thailand; Somsak Chalachol, president of
Chalachol Co.; actress Ornnapa Kritsadee, makeup artist Kamol Chatsaen; and
others.
Other winners included Kamala Potisan for best costume,
Sopida Rachanon for most photogenic, Ruttanun Seelawanich for “Miss
Congeniality,” Nicha Chaiyapreuk for most-stylish cocktail dress and
Panvilas Mongkol for sexiest skin.
“I want to end poverty and
save the world…” Contestants answer tough questions during the final round.
(L to R) Miss Alisa
Phanthusak, Asst. MD of Tiffany Show Co. Ltd.; Sutham Phanthusak, MD of
Tiffany Show Co. Ltd.; Prof. Dr. Seri Wongmontha, consultant of the contest
and president of judging committee pose for the paparazzi.
The pageantry is immense.
Some tropical flavor to
entertain the audience while the judges deliberate.
The Queen and her court, Miss
Tiffany Universe 2012 Panwilas Mongkol poses with contestants, judges and
sponsors.
Contestants treat residents
of the Banglamung Home for the Elderly to a delicious lunch.
Contestants and friends say
thank you to their elders.
More incredible costumes and
scenery during the gala event.
Sammy Sripassorn Akhayakorn
(center), Miss Tiffany Universe 2011 and Miss International Queen 2011,
visits Banglamung Home for the Elderly.
