May 31, 2008
PATTAYA, Thailand - Final touches were being applied to sequined gowns and heavy make-up on Friday as 30 Thai transvestites prepared for a pageant that has become a national fixation.
A sold-out, 2,000-seat theatre in Pattaya will host the annual Miss Tiffany competition to crown the most beautiful transvestite in Thailand at the end of an evening that draws huge nationwide interest.
"It's a unique contest, the only one in Thailand and the biggest in the world," Miss Tiffany's assistant managing director, Alisa Phanpusak told AFP.
Sixty contestants were whittled down by half over the week through elimination rounds.
The event, now in its 11th year, has become increasingly high profile, with winners forging careers as television presenters and as the faces of beauty products.
The event's official aim -- to foster tolerance and appreciation of transvestites -- is succeeding.
Finalist Bantita Pakasut agreed.
"Miss Tiffany gives me the opportunity to grow socially and be accepted," Bantita told AFP before taking to the stage for an anxious dress rehearsal ahead of Friday's final.
With substantial financial rewards on offer -- 100,000 baht (3,200 US dollars) for the winner, equivalent to a year's wages for a factory worker -- the transvestite beauty industry has become big business.
One fan, Ton, had already picked her favourite contestant ahead of the show.
"She looks like (popstar) Cher," Ton gushed. "To me, she looks as though she has completed her woman's transformation."
Last year's winner, known as Film, will clad herself in silver to perform the evening's opening number with a full contingent of backing dancers, as the 30 finalists parade on to the stage.
The winner will only be known after midnight. The new Miss Tiffany will advance to the global competition, Miss International Queen, to be held here in October.
