Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2013 Netnapada ‘Neck’ Kalyanon (center) receives a congratulatory peck on the cheek from first runner up Chananchida ‘Blossom’ Rungpetcharat (left) and second runner up Sopida ‘Ning’ Rachanon (right) at the globally televised Miss Tiffany Universe 2013 contest held at Pattaya’s Tiffany Theater May 3.
A Bangkok university student studying Japanese triumphed over 100 other transgender contestants to win the 2013 Miss Tiffany Universe beauty pageant.
Netnapada “Neck” Kalyanon, 22, took the crown at the globally televised contest at Pattaya’s Tiffany Theater May 3.
The pageant, which this year followed an “A La Chic” theme, saw the Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep liberal arts student accept the crown and sash from 2012 winner Panvilas “Jele” Mongkol. Netnapada took home a 500,000 baht diamond tiara, 120,000 baht cash, a Honda Jazz and other prizes worth a total of 1.5 million baht. She also won the “Best Costume” award and will represent Thailand in the Miss International Queen contest later this year.
Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2013 Netnapada ‘Neck’ Kalyanon (center) receives a congratulatory peck on the cheek from first runner up Chananchida ‘Blossom’ Rungpetcharat (left) and second runner up Sopida ‘Ning’ Rachanon (right) at the globally televised Miss Tiffany Universe 2013 contest held at Pattaya’s Tiffany Theater May 3.
Chananchida ‘Blossom’ Rungpetcharat, a Ramkhamhaeng University student also studying Japanese, won second place and 100,000 baht. Sopida ‘Ning’ Rachanon took third place, 70,000 baht and the Miss Kiss Sexy Star award.
Winners in other categories included Yada Kongsricharoen (Miss Photogenic), Nattarika Uontong (Miss Ripley’s Popular Vote), Patcharaporn Nai-in (Miss Congeniality) and Kwanjira Meelaksap (Most Stylish Cocktail Dress). The Media Favorite prize went to Yada Khongsreecharoen.
Sutham Phanthusak, Managing Director of Tiffany’s Show Pattaya Co., Ltd., presents the championship trophy to Netnapada Kanlayanon, winner of Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2013.
About 100 transvestites and transsexuals entered the contest, with the field winnowed to 27 contestants for the semifinals. Ten finalists spent April 28-30 making stops at tourist destinations in Bangkok and Pattaya.
The moment of truth, when Netnapada ‘Neck’ Kalyanon is pronounced queen!
“The purpose of the contest is the same as every year: to find the individual with physical and mental talents to represent Thailand in Miss International Queen 2013, which is a mirror for society to see the value of these individuals,” said pageant advisor Seri Wongmonta.
Pageant Managing Director Sutham Phanthusak said the competition helps the transgender winners to become famous, successful and more accepted in society.
“In addition,” he said, “Miss Tiffany has benefited the tourism industry as international media arrived to broadcast the progress of the contest, thus, making a name for Pattaya.”
“When Miss Tiffany’s Universe was held for the first time 16 years ago, it was an innovative idea that was very much outside the box, but created an understanding between the differences in talents of sexually diverse individuals in Thai society,” said Chairwoman Alisa Phanthusak.
Sirapassorn ‘Sammy’ Auttayakorn (left) and Panvilas ‘Jele’ Mongkol (right) award the Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2013 crown to Netnapada “Neck” Kalyanon.
Contest Chairwoman Alisa Phanthusak (left) presents the Most Stylish Cocktail Dress award to Kwanjira Meelaksap.
2nd runner-up Sopida ‘Ning’ Rachanon answers the all-important question from the emcees.
Last year’s winner Panwilas Mongkol graciously makes her final entrance and exit as Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2012.
A violinist performs for the audience and judges.
Contestants crowd around the newly crowned Miss Tiffany Universe 2013.
The exciting moment when the field is narrowed down to 10 finalists.
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