“Nong Jazz” crowned Miss Tiffany Universe 2009

Mr. Nattee took the top prize at Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2009 in the beach resort of Pattaya, beating off 29 other transsexuals.

“I’m very excited,” the graceful 20-year-old from Thailand’s southern Songkhla province said, touching the glimmering winner’s crown with disbelieving fingers. She appeared overwhelmed by hordes of photographers, camera crews and well-wishers, the scene played out before a live television audience of 15 million people.

In a nation famous for its sexual tolerance, this elaborate contest is taken every bit as seriously as the more traditional competitions. The contest is one of the most famous transvestite beauty competitions in Thailand, if not the world, which has been organized for 12 consecutive years. The final round contest consisted of 30 selected transvestites with the winner selected as Thailand’s representative to participate in the Miss International Queen 2009 international transvestite pageant. 

Miss Alisa Phanthusak, Assistant Managing Director of Tiffany Show Pattaya Co., Ltd, and chairwoman of the contest revealed to reporters that, “The contest has been well received by transvestites for the past 12 consecutive years. They come from various parts of Thailand and the numbers of contestants are increasing each year. It is pleasant to note that each participant has their own unique outstanding skill.”

“In order to celebrate the 12th anniversary of Tiffany Show Pattaya Co., Ltd. the contest has come up with the theme of “Live Learn Love to Enhance Your Beauty” for this year’s pageant to show that there are many skillful transvestites across Thailand who are able to procure creative careers in the community by being local administrators, and contemporary writers to name a few. In addition, the contest is held to promote Pattaya as a tourist destination for foreign visitors. The winner of this contest will be Thailand’s representative to participate in the international transvestite “Miss International Queen 2009” competition which will also be held in Thailand in November.” continued Phathusak.

Against a soundtrack of thumping music, the pageant featured an Italian Casanova-themed number involving gondolas and masked dancers. And a pirate ship drifted across the stage swirled in thick “fog.” There were categories for Best Costume, Miss Photogenic and even Miss Unlimited Sexy Star. The packed theater was a mix of transsexuals, gay and straight couples, and Western tourists who appeared to have wandered in off the main Pattaya drag. Dresses ranged from flowing white ensembles to shimmering red numbers and pink miniskirts. High heels were a must.

The winner of the pageant was a 20 year old transvestite Mr. Sorrawee Nattee or “Nong Jazz” who is currently studying at Rajabhat Suan Sunantha University. He was presented with 100,000 Baht in cash, a Honda Jazz car, a winning crown, sash, winning trophy, and many other prizes from sponsors including Oasis Spa, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Cover Mark Cosmetic, and G-Net Phone. “Nong Jazz” also won the “Best Costume” award.

“She had smart answers and is very beautiful,” Mr. Marut Sarowat, a well-known television and stage director who was one of the judges, said of Sorrawee Nattee. He added that Thailand is generally accepting of transsexuals.

“I think our country is open for all kinds of genders,” he said. “Because everyone should do their best for themselves and for society. Thai people can accept transsexuals. All people must be good people.”

When asked to name her hero, winner Sorrawee Nattee earned loud applause by naming her mother and father, and as the evening progressed, cheers for her grew louder and louder as the audience urged their favorite to victory.

The first runner-up was “Nong Bell” or Mr. Virithorn Norapatarapimol who is currently studying at North Chiang Mai University. He was presented with 80,000 Baht cash and also won another 10,000 Baht from the “Unlimited Sexy Star by Central Festival Pattaya Beach” bikini swim suit competition. The 2nd runner-up was 21 year old “Nong Nat” or Mr. Napaswan Chonlakorn who won 50,000 Baht from the pageant and another 20,000 baht for the ‘Miss Perfect Complexion or Miss Beautiful Skin by Nurish’ title. The ‘Miss Photogenic’ title went to 18 year old “Nong Nat” or Mr. Lerlak Lersworapong, and the ‘Miss Congeniality’ award went 25 year old “Nong Oui” or Mr. Peerada Maneeket from Sri Prathum University.