Generally, ladyboys have characteristic physical qualities of men. You can spot them by listening to their voice, looking at their Adam’s apple, and noticing the size of their joints and limbs. Asking another ladyboy is also a wise option. But leave asking the person herself as your last resort.

Once you know the gender orientation of the person, it’s up to you what you want to do next. If you’re interested in dating a ladyboy, you can do that. But there are particulars that you might want to know first. Read on to explore the depth of meeting ladyboys in Thailand.

What exactly is a kathoey?

If you have visited Thailand, you must have heard of “Kathoey” at least once. The term is widely used in LGBTQ discourses. And you should get familiar with this particular word before diving further into Thai LGBTQ society.

“กะเทย” or “kathoey” is a Thai word commonly used to describe a male-born person who behaves in the manners of a woman, disregarding whether they went through gender-affirming surgery or not. They usually have a sexual interest in men, gay men, and other LGBTQs.

The word “kathoey” originally had a negative connotation. In the early days of the ladyboys wave, the term was usually used as an insult. It expressed a similar discriminating attitude to the word “negro” to black people in 1600-1800.

However, the term “kathoey” has somewhat evolved into a parody of itself. Many Thai LGBTQ influencers have comically repeated this term so many times that the negativity gradually subsided. Of course, this is unintentional. But the result helps Thai people embrace kathoeys more easily.

Nevertheless, many kathoeys still don’t like to be called “kathoey.” So, for a foreigner, you can use the word “ladyboys” just to be on the safe side.

Note that, in Thailand, Kathoey and Gay men are not exactly the same. While they both have interests in men, kathoey’s behaviors are feminine, while Gay men are still masculine.

Most kathoeys realize their gender orientation from a young age. Some have started feminine behavior since the early days of elementary school. However, this realization doesn’t come from societal pressure or any kind of illness. It is just their nature.

How to tell a ladyboy in Thailand

Thai ladyboys’ gorgeousness can rival those of female supermodels. Telling them apart from straight women can get complicated. And, of course, you don’t want to find out the fact afterward.

So, here are 5 tricks to recognize a ladyboy and distinguish her from a straight woman.

1. Listen to her voice

If there is one thing you cannot hide by any means, it’s voice. All ladyboys acknowledge this fact and try to imitate women’s voices the best they can. Nevertheless, you can still notice the difference.

Generally, men’s voices have a lower pitch and a heavier bass than women’s. It is almost impossible to hide this characteristic tone without a voice changer. 

However, some ladyboys excel at altering their voices. They can squeeze their vocal cord and articulate women-like sounds naturally. Not to mention the magic of voice-feminization surgery. This medical procedure can magically transform one’s voice, making it harder to tell one’s sex. 

Want to know how magical it is? Listen to the following example from Yanhee hospital.

2. Look at her adam’s apple

Most ladyboys understand that they can’t hide their voice. That’s why if they choose to hide their gender orientation, they might avoid speaking to you completely.

However, you can still look at another obvious tell of all males: Adam’s apple.

Just look at their neck (but please don’t stare) and see if there’s a protruding bone that moves when they swallow or not. Most of the time, you can see this body part effortlessly.

Of course, it becomes tricky when you consider the existence of cosmetic surgery. There’s a way for a ladyboy to “erase” their Adam’s Apple. It’s called Tracheal shave. And to unsuspecting eyes, it looks just like those of women.

3. Noticing her stature, bones, and limbs size

This is probably the least surefire way, but it’s still worth mentioning. You can distinguish ladyboys from women by looking at their overall size.

Due to natural physiques, men usually have larger skeletons than women. This means you can look at many points in a person’s body to get a glimpse of their actual sex. For example, statures like height and width, joint size like wrists and shoulders, and limb sizes like hands and legs.

Remember that some ladyboys were born small, and some even had cosmetic surgery to change their physiques. As a result, this trick might give false feedback. So, you should notice other points together with this one as well.

4. Ask a ladyboy friend

Now. This might sound like cheating, but it’s better than wild guessing.

There’s a saying in Thai that goes “ผีเห็นผี” (Pee Hen Pee), and it translates to “ghosts see ghosts.” It means that those of similar personalities see through each other. And by that logic, a ladyboy should be able to read another ladyboy like a book.

Of course, this trick doesn’t work 100%. Some ladyboys go further and beyond, deceiving even the eyes of their friends. However, such a case is quite rare. You can still trust your ladyboy friends.

So next time you go out to a bar in Thailand, bring ladyboy friends with you. You might need their extra help.

5. Ask the person herself

When all has failed, and you feel desperate, you have to throw the towels and step up to ask the person herself. But please keep this as a last resort.

Most ladyboys are okay with you asking, “excuse me, but are you a lady or a ladyboy.” At first, they might laugh at you. They might mess around with you a bit, but mostly, they will tell you straight in the end.

Some of them might even enjoy the fact that you ask. It means their beauty is enough to confuse you. They take that as flattery.

But remember that some people don’t like to be asked this way. And if the person you ask turns out to be a straight woman, you might have to face the consequences. Verbal abuse is quite common. Water to the face is a little extreme but also exists. So, brace yourself.

How to start dating ladyboys in Thailand

As of 2019, there were around 3.6 million LGBTQ in Thailand (roughly 5% of the population). And many among this number were kathoey. But despite such a massive number, Thailand’s acceptance of LGBTQ is only at a cultural level. People of the same sex still cannot legally marry like other men and women.

Even so, you can still date ladyboys in Thailand. And if you want to go down that route, there are easier ways to get close to them.

1. Understand that you are dating a normal person

This fact might be obvious, but some people tend to forget it. “Dating a ladyboy is no different than dating anyone else.” The core of the relationship still relies on love.

You must love them for who they are and don’t expect them to be something else.

Whether a man, woman, or LGBTQ, you can date a ladyboy. But don’t forget that they are people just like you. They have their own likes and dislikes. If you are not their type, then that’s it.

Don’t try to date a ladyboy if all you have in mind is to “try weird stuff.” That won’t help anyone in the long run. Of course, if you have a mutual agreement with her, that’s another story. But if you really want your relationship to grow, love and understanding are vital.

2. Use dating apps

Nowadays, the fastest way to reach new people with a romantic interest in mind is via dating apps.

Some big names like Tinder, Coffee Meets Bagels, and Bristlr can get you quite far in Thailand. However, some dating apps are designed to help date LGBTQs and ladyboys.

Blued: Originally a men-men dating app in China. This application comes with a detailed filter, allowing you to seek out and connect with any ladyboys of your taste in minutes.

Jack’d: Despite having fewer features and functions, this application manages to gain popularity among Thai LGBTQ men. You can squeeze yourself into the community easier with Jack’d.

Azar: A worldwide hit dating app. The most striking feature of Azar is the ability to make a video call on top of an automatic translation chat. You can break the language barrier and connect with your sweetheart ladyboy effortlessly. (Source)

3. Go to party venues

Even though thousands of ladyboys are living in your Thai neighborhood, none of them are going to come knocking at your door. You need to go out and meet them. Where should you go? A party venue, of course.

These party venues could be a bar, a pub, a club, or a public event. And you can find tons of those in Thailand, especially in Bangkok and other major cities.

Regardless of gender, everyone loves parties. And at every party, you are bound to see groups of ladyboys. Then, you can make a decision whether to make a move or just to have fun with friends.

▸ Want to learn more about dating in Thailand? Check out our articles on: “Dating Thai Men: 5 Characteristics You’ll Fall in Love With” and “How to Date a Thai Girlfriend for 7 Days“

Best places to meet ladyboys in Bangkok

As mentioned, there are so many ladyboys in Thailand that you can’t miss them. However, if you want a location to specifically meet them (in Bangkok), you should try these places out.

1. DJ Station

This place is arguably the most famous gay bar in Thailand (as of 2022). It is located at Silom Soi 2 and opens every day from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

You can let loose on the dance floor for hours and enjoy a lip-singing show every night. If ladyboys and fun are what you seek, you cannot skip DJ Station.

2. The Stranger Bar

Are you looking for a fancy ladyboys show? Then, The Stranger Bar is the place for you. This is another place that is located at Silom Soi 4. You can walk in from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The biggest highlight of this bar is the gorgeous Drag Show that occurs every night at 10.30 p.m. The quality of the show is guaranteed. Why? Because the place owner is the winner of Drag Race Thailand Season 2, M Stranger Fox herself. (Source)

3. Bangkok’s Red Light Districts

If you only want to sip cool drinks and fool around with ladyboys, there are lots of bars in Bangkok you can go to. Many of these bars are located in and around Nana Plaza or Soi Cowboy. For example, Obsession, Cockatoo, and more.

Each bar has its vibes and services, so choose the one that resonates the most. And don’t forget to check their opening time. While many open in the early evening, quite a few open late at night.

The core of meeting a Thai ladyboy

Regardless of what your intention is when interacting with Thai ladyboys, treat them how you do to ladies. No matter how you look at it, they are people just like you.

Treating them like other ladies is especially crucial when you know their sexual orientation. Discrimination never ends well for anyone.

And if you want to push your relationship with a ladyboy to the next step, let your heart guide you. Don’t allow traditions or others’ opinions to stop you. After all, love is one of the most beautiful things in the world.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

The post What Is a Ladyboy in Thailand? (And How to Tell if They Are) appeared first on ThaiGuider.

Thai men’s characteristics are unique even among Southeast Asians. That means their personalities and charms stand out even more when compared to those of the western world.

Unfortunately, almost no one talks about them at all.

In most conversations regarding dating a Thai person, you will most likely hear about “dating a Thai woman” rather than “Thai man.” And that is understandable. After all, Thai women have been renowned for their beauty and friendly disposition throughout history. And since the majority of the Thai population is female, Thai women would naturally dominate such a conversation.

But what is there to like about Thai guys?

The short answer would be “a lot.” But if you really want to be specific, you can also find the long answer here.

5 Thai Men’s Traits You’d Love About Them

These are 5 traits of Thai men that would make them boyfriends you want to brag about.

1. They enjoy pampering you

Devotion is the name of the game.

Whenever you ask your Thai boyfriend to do something, they most likely respond with an “Okay.” Then, they will start working on the task you have given them like a knight serving his queen. (4)

This might sound like a natural thing to you. Most boyfriends would do anything you say just to see you smile. However, Thai men take that to a whole new level. It almost looks like stupidity when you think about it.

Here is one example scenario when dating Thai men … One day, you suddenly felt the urge to travel to the beach 100 miles away. You then asked your Thai boyfriend to drive you there.

Even though he was busy. Even though he had not prepared. And even though he had no idea how to drive there, believe it or not, he would get you there no matter how. It’s one of Thai men’s characteristics.

This level of devotion has its own origin. There are reasons for it.

Back in the days of absolute monarchy, Thai men loved showing off their wealth. Among the best ways to do that was to pamper their wife (or wives).

If the husband failed to take good care of his wife, gossip would spread around town. He would be put to shame, then his wife and his family would get involved. And if worse came to worst, it could even lead to a demotion in his job.

Even though time has passed, this culture of pampering his partner still lingers (albeit softer in most ways).

The second reason is the cooperative nature of Thai people in general. They love peace and harmony. It is rare for a Thai person to reject you straight out. This is especially true if you are his treasured special one.

There is one warning in this personality. If you happen to get mad at your Thai boyfriend and ask him to do the impossible out of spite, beware that he might actually do it.

2. They are polite in every word they say

Dating Thai men can make you reconsider the definition of politeness. Especially in speech.

Whatever they say, Thai men always exude this aura of passivity and humility in their voice and body language. And it is obvious. The degree of which might vary from person to person, but you could mistake this calm for meekness in extreme cases.

These Thai men traits are a result of the nature of the Thai language.

If you happen to know Japanese, you might have heard of Keigo. It is a system in the Japanese language used to show respect directly from their words. (1)This system is more complicated than just adding “sir” or “madam” to everything you say.

And Thai language has something similar as well.

It is called Racha sub (royal words) and Kham Suphab (polite words). These are lists of synonyms you would use to substitute normal vocabularies when conversing with someone of higher status. Like royalties, monks, and your seniors. Thai people will select the right politeness level and speak accordingly to the occasions. (5)

In addition, the Thai language also has Kham Longtai (ending words). Thai people use these words to finish their sentences, showing respect to their interlocutors. Generally, Thai men use “khrub” while women use “kha.” (6) Think of them as words to show instant politeness. If you are learning Thai, remember to add these behind anything you say.

With these words and concepts in mind, your Thai boyfriend might stumble over his words whenever he talks to you. Do not fret. It is a part of dating Thailand guys.

This speech difficulty happens because he tries to select the best words to use with you, his special one. Even though he speaks English with you, it is still engraved deep in his nature. This characteristic prevents him from speaking to you too casually and impolitely.

3. They hold no grudges on your mistakes

“I’m sorry for making you wait for half an hour”

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

This exchange happens many times when Thai people date. And without a single doubt in their mind, Thai men will forgive such a misstep and never mention it again. This is not just to appear nice. It is just the way they are.

Being late? Forgiven.

Forgetting your promises? Forgiven.

Lying to him? Forgiven.

Cheating on him? Well… That is probably too far.

Unless your mistake is at a degree of homicide or straight-out immoral Thai men will most likely forgive you. And like most behavior traits, there is a cultural explanation for it.

If you have been to Thailand before, you might have heard of this legendary phrase. The “Mai pen rai.” Thai people say it all the time.

The direct translation of this phrase is either “it’s fine” or “don’t worry about it.” The Thais mostly use the phrase to turn down an offer in a polite fashion. But in the right situation, the meaning can also completely change. (2)

However, if you are well-versed in Thai culture, you will know that this “Mai pen rai” is less of a phrase and more of an attitude. It reflects how Thai people value peace and harmony more than anything else.

Because of this attitude, dating Thai men can be more relaxing than you imagine. Thai men put more emphasis on smoothing things over rather than direct confrontation. It is a common characteristic in Thai guys that grows from a peace-obsessed society.

Knowing that arguments and fights can create an unmendable crack in a relationship, Thai men avoid such confrontations to the best of their ability. And to do that, they developed a chill temper and a calm mind. That is why Thailand’s men are extra-forgiving when it comes to mistakes.

Nevertheless, you should never cross the line with him. No matter how forgiving he is, there is a limit to everything. And once you go beyond the limit, there is usually no safe way to return.

4. They laugh all the time

You can also see this point as a continuation of point #3. A point #3.5 if you will.

Thailand is also known as the land of smiles. And there is a reason for that. Not only do people walk around with a smile on their faces, but they also laugh all the time.

As mentioned, Thai people value peace and harmony to the core. Whatever they do, they will try their best to be as least offensive as possible. And that is where the humor comes into play.

At first, it might feel weird to you when your Thai boyfriend laughs at his own failures or other mishaps. You might think something is wrong in his head, but that is not true. That is just another charm of dating Thai men.

Humor plays a big part in the daily lives of all Thai men. It works as a means to socialize, a tool to tackle stress, and a weapon against disharmony. It is one of the most prominent parts of a Thai man’s character.

“Laugh it off” is one of the go-to tactics Thai men use when dealing with emotional issues. (3) For example, if you happened to knock his favorite mug from the cupboard and break it, he would just laugh and go buy a new one with you.

It doesn’t mean that he was not upset. He just does not want you to be upset as well. In an awkward situation like that, bright laughter will dispel all the discomfort and lift everyone’s mood.

Humor is not exclusive to sticky situations either. Thai men generally love making jokes about everything. They will make you laugh at things you might not be aware of as funny. Like religions and jobs.

And if you like puns, you are in for a treat. Thai men love puns. No matter what language it is, if it is a pun, he will laugh. And he will make puns for you as well.

5. They love foreigners like you

Do you know why Thailand is a world-renowned tourist destination?

There are many answers to that question. But no matter where you look, the people will always be one of the answers.

Thai people are friendly and easygoing. Especially to foreigners. That is why dating Thai men is another great option for you to consider.

The country used to be jam-packed with tourists all year round before COVID-19. Thus, Thai men learned to throw away all the discriminating and xenophobic behaviors and embrace foreigners of all origins.

This characteristic does not stop with their welcoming attitude. Once they get used to you being around, they will start treating you as if you were a fellow Thai citizen rather than a tourist. They still acknowledge your differences, but that does not stop them from including you in their personal circle. They will make jokes with you, drink with you, and have fun with you.

And if you manage to get a Thai man to fall for you, you will get something extra. These men are willing to set aside their own business and find time to learn your language and culture. All of these are just to get a better glimpse of your thought process.

Having an understanding boyfriend never hurts. A man who has insight into your background and culture will be an ideal choice if you come from a tradition-rich country or family.

What Dating Thai Men Boils Down to…

After reading these five personality points of Thailand’s men, you may have come to realize one thing. 

That is “Thai men are quite considerate.”

They will take good care of you. They speak carefully. They avoid hurting your feelings. They always make you smile. And they are willing to know you better.

These traits take deep roots within all Thai men since they grow up in a country where cultures and traditions focus on people’s hearts and feelings.

If you happen to be looking for a dating candidate, give dating Thai men a chance. You might find yourself unable to stop talking about them once your date begins.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

References

1. Cotoacademy.com. 2022. An Introduction to Japanese Keigo | Honorific Form, Humble Form & More!. [online] Available at: <https://cotoacademy.com/japanese-keigo/> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

2. Cavanagh, R., 2022. Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind. Or Does It?. [online] Thaizer. Available at: <https://www.thaizer.com/mai-pen-rai-means-never-mind/> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

3. Bbc.com. 2022. Why Thai people love to laugh. [online] Available at: <https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20170915-why-thai-people-love-to-laugh> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

4. Clubsister.com. 2022. ข้อดีของผู้ชาย 7 ประเทศ..เลือกไม่ถูกเลยจริงๆ – Clubsister.com. [online] Available at: <https://clubsister.com/lifestyle/advantages-of-seven-boy> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

5. Kroobannok.com. 2022. คำราชาศัพท์. [online] Available at: <https://www.kroobannok.com/1435> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

6. dailynews. 2022. คำลงท้ายในภาษาไทย. [online] Available at: <https://d.dailynews.co.th/article/192389/> [Accessed 6 May 2022].

The post Dating Thai Men: 5 Characteristics You’ll Fall in Love With appeared first on ThaiGuider.

There are three beauty pageants in Thailand that command the most public attention- Miss Universe Thailand, Miss Thailand, and Miss Thailand World. In this article, you will learn everything about Miss Thailand and Miss Thailand World- from the history of these competitions, how the winners are chosen, and who took the crowns (and when).

Without further ado, let’s dive in, starting with Miss Thailand!

History of Miss Thailand

The first Miss Thailand beauty pageant was on December 10, 1934, in Bangkok, Phra Nakhon District (1). Back then, the name of the contest was known as ‘Miss Siam’ or ‘นางสาวสยาม’ (Nang Sao Samyam).

Miss Thailand winners used to represent Thailand internationally in the Miss Universe competitions. While the ones who placed as 1^st runner-up was chosen to present at Miss Asia Pacific International (1). This was the case until 2000, when Miss Thailand Organization lost the licenses to Miss Universe Thailand. So, the last Miss Thailand who competed in the Miss Universe competition was Apisamai Srirangsan- the winner of Miss Thailand 1999 (1).

Fun fact 1:

Apisamai Srirangsan is now a doctor and has been back in the limelight recently- this time as a spokesman for Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration, helping the country overcome the pandemic.

Fun Fact 2:

COVID-19 in Thailand also brought another former Miss Thailand back into the spotlight. This time, no other than Ms. Wanee Sakuldoem Laokiat, 100-year-old Miss Siam 1935 (the 2nd winner of Miss Thailand). Photos of her timeless beauty went viral when she was spotted getting her vaccine.

How Many Miss Thailand Winners Have There Been?

There have been 53 winners of the Miss Thailand competition since the pageant was first held in 1934. And among these winners- two have gone on to be crowned Miss Universe (in 1965 and 1988.)

In 2019, Miss Thailand winner Sireethorn Leearamwat won the title of Miss International 2019, bringing home another title for Thai beauty queens on the world stage. As for the less recognized international competitions, two Miss Thailand have won the Miss Asia Pacific title- in 1988 and 1997.

A Timeline of Significant Miss Thailand Events (& Issues)

Over the decades, the Miss Thailand competition has encountered several unexpected issues, which have led to the cancellation or postponement of the beauty pageant in particular years.

Below are the years in which the Miss Thailand pageant was not able to run and the reasons why:

1941-1947:

Due to World War II and the passing of King Ananda Mahidol in 1946, the pageant was not held for seven consecutive years.

1949:

In 1949, a coup attempt, known as ‘The Palace Rebellion,’ occurred, and the government declared a state of emergency in February 1949 (2). Therefore, there was no Miss Thailand that year.

1955-1963:

Due to political instabilities and coups happening, no Miss Thailand pageant was held for another extended period- this time lasting nine years.

1970:

No competition was held in 1970 for reasons related to political and economic issues.

1973-1983:

This is the most prolonged period the Miss Thailand pageant was not held- this time for over a decade (11 years.) This is due to the uprisings in 1973 and the political reforms (another coup) that followed (3).

1996:

In 1996, princess Srinagarindra, the mother of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), passed away. As the country mourned over the loss of the then King’s mother, the Miss Thailand competition was canceled.

2005:

On December 26^th, 2004, a deadly tsunami hit the southern part of Thailand – including Phuket, Krabi, Ranon, and the Phi Phi islands. Approximately more than 8,000 people were announced dead or missing (4). There was no Miss Thailand competition in 2005 while the country was in national mourning.

2011:

Due to the political conflicts following the Thai general elections, no was no Miss Thailand in 2011.

2015:

In 2014, the current prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, led another military coup. Because of the aftermath of this coup, no competition was held in 2015. The pageant continued in the following year, and Thanaporn Sriwirach was crowned Miss Thailand 2016.

2017-2018:

Due to the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the country went into a mourning phase. No celebrations or events were held in the country in 2017 and 2018, resulting in no Miss Thailand competitions.

2021:

As Covid-19 hit the country pretty hard in 2021, no pageant was held that year.

Recent Winners of Miss Thailand

Miss Thailand 2022

Name: Manita Duangkham Farmer

Province: Phuket

Height: 174cm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manita.farmer/

The current reigning beauty queen is Manita Farmer, the first half-Thai to be crowned as Miss Thailand (5). This Thai-American beauty queen was born and raised in Phuket. She graduated from Bangkok University with a first-class honors bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts (6).

Before becoming Miss Thailand 2022, Manita competed in the Miss Grand Phuket 2017 competition and was the first runner-up. In 2018, Manita participated as a contestant in Miss World Thailand 2018 but unfortunately, she could only reach the Top 12 (6).

However, Manita did not give up and continued pursuing her passion for becoming a beauty queen while volunteering as a teacher at a Bang-Phai-Nat school in Nakhon Pathom province. This year, Manita beat 24 other contestants and was crowned the 53^rd Miss Thailand (6).

As a Miss Thailand, Manita also became the ambassador for tourism and culture and is expected to carry out her duties to promote Thailand (5).

Miss Thailand 2021

There was no official Miss Thailand in 2021, as the competition got canceled due to Covid-19.

Miss Thailand 2020

Name: Natthapat Pongpraphan

Province: Nakhon Pathom

Height: 172cm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/may.natthapat/

A representative from Nakhon Pathom province, Natthapat, was 27 years old when she won the title of Miss Thailand 2020. Natthapat also participated in other beauty pageants before becoming the Miss Thailand 2020.

Natthapat was a contestant for Miss Grand Thailand 2017, where she was placed within the Top 20 and later participated in Cosmo World 2017, in which she was chosen as the winner. In 2020, Natthapat joined Miss Universe Thailand as a contestant and finished in the Top 20 (7).

After winning the crown for Miss Thailand 2020, Natthapat wrote on her social media that she believes her constant effort and hard work led to her winning the title. Also, she is very grateful for achieving her dreams and will keep working hard to make the people of Thailand proud (7).

As for her personal life, Natthapat is a graduate of the Faculty of Science of Geosciences at Mahidol University’s Kanchanaburi Campus. She is a firm believer in giving back to society and regularly participates in community-oriented activities and projects for animals and the environment (7).

Miss Thailand 2019

Name: Sireethorn ‘Bint’ Leearamwat

Province: Bangkok

Height: 175cm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bintsireethorn/

Sireethorn, or ‘Bint’ as her nickname goes, is the winner of Miss Thailand 2019. She is also the first Thai beauty queen to win the title of Miss International. Bint is the first Thai representative to win at one of the big four international beauty pageants since 1988- when Bui Simon was crowned Miss Universe (8).

During the competition for Miss International 2019, Bint’s positive attitude and active participation in friendship activities around Japan won her widespread appraisal. Besides her beautiful appearance, Bint was also praised for her continuous positive influence on her surroundings. She was highly praised by not only the judges but also by her fellow contestants.

As a result, Bint won the title of Miss International 2019, and proudly raised Thailand’s flag as the first Thai national to do so (9). Being born in 1993, she also holds the record for being the oldest winner of Miss Thailand at 25 (8). Apart from being a pageant queen, Bint worked as a pharmacist (8).

Miss Thailand World

Miss Thailand World is another famous beauty pageant in the country. As the name indicates, the winner gets to represent Thailand at Miss World. Miss World should need no introduction, but it is one of the four major international beauty pageants if you’re not familiar.

In 1985, the rights to host the Miss Thailand World pageant (and send the winner to represent Thailand at Miss World) were given to BEC-Tero Entertainment Pcl. Parnlekha Wanmuang from Bangkok was chosen as the first Miss Thailand World for that year (10). Like Miss Thailand, the winner of Miss World Thailand is selected among the contestants representing their provinces.

Hall Of Fame for Thailand Beauty Queens at Miss World

Over the years, Thailand has had a decent performance at Miss World. In fact, several Miss Thailand World winners have won various awards.

Here are the years and the awards that Thai participants have won in the Miss World pageants:

1989:

Prathumrat Woramali won the Queen of Asia Award and was also chosen as the 3^rd runner-up at Miss World 1989 in Hong Kong.

1992:

Methinee Kingpayhom won the Queen of Asia Award in the Miss World 1992 pageant.

1994:

Patinya Thongsri became the first Thai representative to win the Miss Personality award at Miss World.

1997:

Tanya Tiana Suesuntisook was chosen as the Miss Personality and was also the 4^th runner-up for Miss World 1997.

2001:

Lada Engchawadechaslip was awarded Miss Photogenic in Miss World 2001.

2005:

Sirinda Jensen was the 1^st runner-up for Miss Thailand World 2005. She competed in Miss World 2005 after the Miss Thailand World 2005 winner, Atchara McKay, resigned. At Miss World 2005, Sirinda won 2 special awards- Miss World Sport, and the Continental Group Award for the Asia Pacific region

2014:

Nonthawan Thongleng won the People’s Choice award for Miss World 2014 and was also one of the Top 10 finalists.

2018:

Nicolene Pichapa Limsnukan (left) is perhaps the most decorated Miss Thailand World winner. She won a huge nine special awards at Miss World 2018, including the Queen of Asia title, winner for Head to Head challenge Round 1 and 2, winner for Global Vote, and winner for Opening Dance of the World: Flag Routine. It gets better; she was also the runner-up for Miss World!

Winners Of Miss Thailand World  

Miss Thailand World 2020 and 2021

There is no official Miss Thailand World for 2021 and 2020 as the competitions were canceled.

Miss Thailand World 2019

Name: Narintorn “Grace” Chadapattarawalrachoat

Province: Pathum Thani

Height: 173cm

Placement: Top 40

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracenarintorn/

The latest Miss Thailand World winner is Narintorn Chadapattarawalrachoat, who took the title in 2019; there were no competitions in 2020 and 2021.

Nicknamed ‘Grace,’ this beauty queen is from Pathum Thani province. She was a fourth-year Fine and Applied Arts student at Thammasat University when crowned the Miss Thailand World 2019 (11). When she first started competing for Miss Thailand World, Grace received some criticism as some said she was “too chubby” (11). But she worked hard on herself and proved a worthy title winner.

After winning the title, Grace started her campaign for mental health, which is called ‘Let Me Hear You.’ This volunteer program focuses on psychological counseling, especially on the issues related to depression. Grace explained decided to raise mental health awareness because she wants society to better understand people struggling with psychological problems. To accept them instead of looking at them with disgust (11). Grace competed at Miss World 2019 pageant and placed in the Top 40.

Miss Thailand World 2018

Name: Nicolene Pichapa Limsnukan

Province: Bangkok

Height: 170cm

Placement: Runner-Up

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolene.pb/

This Thai-American beauty queen has had a long history of pageant experiences, even before joining the Miss Thailand World competition in 2018. Nicolene started her pageantry career in the 2014’s Miss Thai New Years USA competition. She went on to win the title and the special awards for Best Thai Costume and Miss Sport Outfits.

As a winner, Nicolene represented Thailand in Miss Teen Asia USA 2014 pageant and, again, won the title. Moreover, she won special awards for Best National Costume and Miss Congeniality- making her a well-known beauty queen among pageantry fans.

In 2018, she competed in Miss Universe Thailand 2018, and being a crowd’s favorite; she won the People’s Choice Award. Soon after placing within the Top 10 finalists at Miss Universe Thailand, Nicolene joined Miss Thailand World 2018 and won the crown (12).

These experiences led Nicolene to become the first Thai representative (in almost 70 years) to win the runner-up title at Miss World (13). As mentioned above, Nicolene also won 9 special awards at Miss World 2018 pageant, making her the most awarded Miss Thailand World.

Miss Thailand World 2017

Name: Patlada Kulphakthanapat

Province: Bangkok

Height: 173cm

Placement: Unplaced

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkey_phatlada/

Although there was no Miss Thailand World competition in 2017, the first runner-up from the 2016 competition, Patlada Kulphakthanapat, was chosen to represent Thailand at Miss World 2017.

Patlada was born in 1992. She is a graduate of Siam University with a degree in Communication Arts and is a famous Thai model (15). Before joining the Miss Thailand World pageant, Patlada participated in Elite Model Look Thailand 2014 contest and won the title (14). In 2016, she was selected as the runner-up for Miss Thailand World, while Jinnita Buddee picked up the crown.

In 2017, there was no Miss Thailand World competition as the country mourned for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). To send a representative to Miss World 2017 competition, Patlada was officially appointed as the country’s representative to compete in the finals (15).

Miss Thailand World 2016

Name: Jinnita Buddee

Province: Chiang Rai

Height: 177cm

Placement: Top 20

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dai.jinnita/

Jinnita Buddee was already considered a strong bet and fan favorite, even before winning the Miss Thailand World 2016 title officially. Many fans agreed that Jinnita has all the right attributes for a beauty pageant queen; she is charming, a show-stealer, and a strong woman who stays true to herself when being a beauty pageant (16).

And as expected by many, this northern beauty from Chiang Rai battled it out among 29 other contestants at the Miss Thailand World 2016 and reigned victoriously. She then became the country’s representative for Miss World 2016, where she finished in the Top 20 (17).

Other Beauty Pageants in Thailand

Aside from the two competitions explained above and the Miss Universe Thailand, other beauty pageants in Thailand occasionally make the headlines.

For example, in 2015, Miss Uncensored News Thailand 2015 made international headlines when a photo of her kneeling and paying respect to her mother in front of dirty rubbish bins while wearing her tiara and sash (18).

Then-17 years old, Khanittha ‘Mint’ Phasaeng, was raised by her mother, who collected and sorted rubbish. When she finally won the crown as Miss Uncensored News Thailand 2015, Khanittha showed her gratitude towards her mother by kneeling in front of her mom (and the dirty trash bins), as this is the highest form of paying respect in Asian culture (18).

Another beauty pageant winner also made headlines, but this time it was not for a good reason. Arayha ‘Coco’ Suparuk became a hot topic among netizens when she was crowned the Miss Grand Thailand 2019. In a now-deleted post, Coco posted a meme calling Catriona Gray – Miss Universe 2018, ‘fat.’

This ignited netizens’ rage as they believed someone who body-shamed another woman (and a Miss Universe winner at that) should not be a representative beauty queen for Thailand.

Despite the criticisms and anger toward Coco, the president of Miss Grand organization, Nawat Itsaragrisil, justified Coco’s victory (19). Coco ended up as the second runner-up at the Miss Grand International 2019 competition (20).

Conclusion

As the world returns to normal, Thailand’s beauty pageants are sure to light up the country’s showbiz scene once again. With the changing beauty standards and renowned grand and glamours for the national costumes and evening gowns of previous Miss Thailand winners, it is for sure that many beauty pageants fans are excited to see what these future beauty queens from Thailand would bring to the international pageantry scene.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

Want to learn more about Thailand’s beauty queens? Check out our article on Miss Universe Thailand, brace yourself for some scandals too!

References

1. Wikiwand. Miss Thailand. Wikiwand. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2022.] https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Miss_Thailand/.

2. Nikorn, Siam. Palace Rebellion. Military Wiki. [Online] February 18, 1949. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Palace_Rebellion/.

3. Britannica. The 1973 Revolution And Its Aftermath. Britannica. [Online] [Cited: May 3, 2022.] https://www.britannica.com/place/Thailand/The-1973-revolution-and-its-aftermath/.

4. Vision, World. World Vision Thailand Tsunami Response: Final Report Dec 2004 – Dec 2007. OCHA Services. [Online] December 3, 2007. https://reliefweb.int/report/thailand/world-vision-thailand-tsunami-response-final-report-dec-2004-dec-2007/.

5. Thai PBS World. First half-Thai crowned 53rd ‘Miss Thailand’. Thai PBS World. [Online] February 7, 2022. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/first-half-thai-crowned-53rd-miss-thailand/.

6. The Phuket News. Phuket’s ‘Nita’ crowned Miss Thailand. The Phuket News. [Online] February 7, 2022. https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-nita-crowned-miss-thailand-83001.php/.

7. Reyes, Angelique. Natthapat Pongpraphan Crowned Miss Thailand 2020. Angelopedia. [Online] December 14, 2020. https://www.angelopedia.com/news/Miss-Thailand-2020-Natthapat-Pongpraphan-Crowned-Winner-Delegate-Thailand-Results-Finale/52196/.

8. MyDramaList. Bint Sireethorn Leearamwat. MyDramaList. [Online] [Cited: May 4, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/62829-bint-sireethorn-leearamwat/.

9. Chhattisgarh News. Miss Thailand Sireethorn Leearamwat Is The Miss International 2019 Winner! Chhattisgarh News. [Online] [Cited: May 4, 2022.] https://world360news.com/en/miss-thailand-sireethorn-leearamwat-miss-international-2019-winner/.

10. Angelopedia. Miss Thailand World: Info. Angelopedia. [Online] [Cited: May 5, 2022.] https://www.angelopedia.com/Beauty-Pageants-Info/Thailand/Miss-Thailand-World/21/.

11. Thaitrakulpanich, Asaree. Miss Thailand World Crowned, Will Campaign for Mental Health Awareness. Khaosod English. [Online] August 5, 2019. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/2019/08/05/miss-thailand-world-crowned-will-campaign-for-mental-health-awareness/.

12. Wikipedia. Nicolene Limsnukan. Wikipedia. [Online] [Cited: May 5, 2022.] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolene_Limsnukan/.

13. Itthipongmaetee, Chayanit. Thai Named Miss World Runner-Up For First Time. Khaosod English. [Online] December 9, 2018. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2018/12/09/thai-named-miss-world-runner-up-for-first-time-in-history/.

14. NiNa.Az. Patlada Kulphakthanapat. NiNa.Az. [Online] December 14, 2021. https://www.wiki.en-us.nina.az/Patlada_Kulphakthanapat.html/.

15. Missosology. Patlada Kulphakthanapat Appointed Miss Thailand World 2017. Missosology.org. [Online] June 27, 2017. http://missosology.org/regional/thailand/43016-patlada-kulphakthanapat-appointed-miss-thailand-world-2017/.

16. Angelopedia. Miss Thailand World 2016 Top 10 Hot Picks. Angelopedia. [Online] [Cited: May 6, 2022.] https://www.angelopedia.com/News-In-Picture/Miss-Thailand-World-2016-Top-10-Hot-Picks-115/Jinnita-Buddee-for-Miss-Thailand-World-2016-1326.html/.

17. thegreatpageantcommunity. Jinnita Buddee Is Miss Thailand World 2016. The Great Pageant Community. [Online] May 29, 2016. https://thegreatpageantcommunity.com/2016/05/29/jinnita-buddee-miss-thailand-world-2016/.

18. Mailonline, Chloe Lyme For. Touching Moment Thai Beauty Queen Kneels Down In A Glittering Tiara And Sash To Thank Rubbish Collecting Mother Who Raised Her. Daily Mail. [Online] October 28, 2015. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/peoplesdaily/article-3293212/Thailand-s-beauty-Miss-Uncensored-News-2015-thanks-mother-success-touching-way.html/.

19. Thaitrakulpanich, Asaree. Miss Grand Thailand 2019 Ignites Netizen Rage For Calling Catriona Gray ‘Fat’. Khaosod English. [Online] July 15, 2019. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/life/entertainment/2019/07/15/miss-grand-thailand-2019-ignites-netizen-rage-for-calling-catriona-gray-fat/.

20. Thaitrakulpanich, Asaree. Miss Grand Thailand 2019 ‘Coco’ Finishes As 2nd-Runner Up. Khaosod English. [Online] October 28, 2019. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2019/10/28/miss-grand-thailand-2019-coco-finishes-as-2nd-runner-up/.

The post Thai Beauty Queen Guide: Miss Thailand & Thailand World appeared first on ThaiGuider.

If you are a fan of beauty pageants or just curious about the beauty queens of Thailand, this article is just the one for you – from the history of Miss Universe Thailand to the crowned beauty queens up to 2021.

History of Miss Universe Thailand

The first official Miss Universe Thailand competition was held in 2000 to select the Thailand representative to compete in the annual Miss Universe competition. Before 2000, the winners of the Miss Thailand competition were chosen to compete in the Miss Universe competition, from 1954 till 1999.

In Thailand, the franchise for Miss Universe began in 1984. It was initially organized by Charcthua Karnasuta, the former managing director of a mass media company called BBTV and the former president of the Vajiravudh College Alumni Association (1).

After Charcthua stepped down from his position due to suffering from paralysis in 1998, the Vajiravudh College Alumni Association handed over the official broadcaster of the Miss Thailand pageant to iTV from Channel 7 in 2000 (1). His sister, Surang Prempree, took over the managing position of Miss Universe’s national license holder and then split the pageant from the Miss Thailand pageant to establish the new pageant competition, which is the one that is known as the Miss Thailand Universe these days (1).

Between 2012 and 2013, the franchise renamed the competition “Miss Universe Thailand,” as suggested by the Miss Universe Organization (2). From 2019 until 2023, the Miss Universe franchise for Thailand was officially granted to a new national license holder for five consecutive years to the TPN Global Company Limited (3).

Many notable Miss Universe Thailand events have been held with such a long history dating back to 1954. Below are some of the most memorable events amongst beauty pageant fans.

The First Miss Universe Title Winner From Thailand

The most famous winner among all the winners has to be Apasra Hongsakula, the Miss Thailand in 1964. She is the first Miss Thailand and Southeast Asian woman to win the title of Miss Universe in 1965.

Apasra was a high school student when she won the title of Miss Thailand in 1964 and then, she went to compete in the Miss Universe pageant, held in Miami, Florida in the United States, as a representative from Thailand and was crowned as the Miss Universe 1965 (4).

After winning the title of Miss Universe 1965, Apasra was appointed as the ‘Cultural Ambassador’ by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Apasra is now a 65 years old lady and the president of a spa in Bangkok. Her beauty still shines, as you can see from her Instagram posts (5).

Fun Facts:

A total of 52 contestants from Thailand have participated in the Miss Universe Competition to date. Thailand has won Miss Universe twice- Apasra Hongsakula in 1965 and Porntip Nakhirunkanok in 1988.

The First Miss Thailand Universe

Although there were representatives from Thailand who competed in the Miss Universe pageant ever since 1954, those beauty queens were the winners of the Miss Thailand competition until 2000. The first beauty queen to hold the official title of Miss Thailand Universe was Kulthida Yenprasert, the winner of the Miss Thailand Universe 2000 competition.

Kulthida was a flight attendant from Thai Airways International, and after winning the competition in 2000, she became the first woman to hold the title of Miss Thailand Universe. She then represented Thailand at the Miss Universe pageant, held in Cyprus on May 12, 2000, but she didn’t place in that competition (6).

3 Controversies that Rocked the Miss Universe Thailand Franchise

1. Dethroned Miss Universe Thailand

One of the biggest scandals to ever happen in the history of Miss Universe Thailand would be the case of dethroned Miss Universe Thailand in 2014. Weluree Ditsayabut, or ‘Fai,’ was the Miss Universe Thailand winner in 2014. Less than a month after winning the crown, Weluree had to relinquish her title due to the backlashes she received for old comments she made online (7).

Before winning the title of Miss Universe Thailand 2014, Weluree wrote in a now-deleted Facebook post that she is not neutral in the country’s political crisis and is on the side of His Majesty the King. Reportedly, she said the country would be cleaner if the ‘dirty red shirts’ (a term used to describe the pro-government demonstrators) left the country (7).

And because of these comments, pro-government supporters began to question her for the anti-red shirt comments. Some even criticized her appearance and claimed that she won the title due to her connections.

Due to these criticisms and backlashes, Weluree resigned from her title as Miss Universe Thailand 2014 and apologized for her words by saying that she was careless, young, and reckless. The 1^st runner-up, Allison Sansom, also known by her Thai name as Pimbongkod Chankaew, represented Thailand at Miss Universe 2014 competition.

2. Getting Fired From Mental Health Ambassador Position

Another Miss Universe Thailand winner who got caught up in Thailand’s political situation is the Miss Universe Thailand 2020, Amanda Obdam. After winning the competition, Amanda Obdam was chosen as the brand ambassador by Thailand’s Mental Health Department to promote the department’s efforts on issues related to mental health.

However, this received mixed reactions from pro-monarchy and pro-democracy groups. Amanda had made comments supporting anti-monarchy protests and publicly criticized Thai police on her Twitter and Instagram for the crackdowns against protestors.

Therefore, after only a week of appointing Amanda as the mental health ambassador for their department, Thailand’s Mental health Department decided to drop her from her assigned role (8). Despite this incident, Amanda still believes that politics should be normalized and people should use their platforms to express their opinions as freedom of speech is a basic human right (9).

3. The Misuse of Thailand’s National Flag

The most recent Miss Universe Thailand winner also faced controversy when a photo of Anchilee posing on the stripes painted in the colors resembling the Thai national flag was posted online for a promotional campaign.

A pro-royalist, Mr. Sonthiya, who is also a former adviser to the House committee, filed a police complaint against the beauty queen for her picture and accused Anchilee of breaching the 1979 Flag Act- which states that offenses against the Thai national flag can be charged a maximum jail term of two years or a fine of up to 40,000 THB or both (10).

Mr. Sonthiya said he did not want to seek any jail terms for Anchilee and that he was just protecting the prestige of the Thai national flag. He also said that Anchilee might not even be aware that standing on a national flag is considered an inappropriate act. The beauty queen was not charged but this controversy was a hot issue online between the pro-royalists and pro-democracy crowds.

Who Can Become A Miss Universe?

According to the Miss Universe website, the winner of the Miss Universe competition must be confident and understand the values of the Miss Universe brand and the responsibilities that come with the title. The winner must have the ability to articulate her ambition and should be able to demonstrate credibility and authenticity and show grace even under pressure (11).

As for the age requirement, the contestant must be between 18 and 28 years old when the national competition commences. And also, no one can compete in the Miss Universe pageant twice. In recent years, it has also been mandated that a Miss Universe candidate at least hold a university degree or be a working professional from the onset of their national pageant competition (12).

Miss Universe Thailand Contestants In Recent Years

Miss Universe Thailand 2021

Name: Anchilee Scott-Kemmis

Birthdate: July 30, 1999

Height: 183cm

Weight: 71kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annscottkemmis/

The most recent winner of Miss Universe Thailand is Annchilee Scott-Kemmis. Born to a Thai mother and an Australian father, Annchilee Scott-Kemmis is a bilingual beauty queen. She spent her childhood in Thailand and then moved to Australia to pursue her bachelor’s degree. She was also the captain of three sports teams- volleyball, softball, and basketball, and even a part of Thailand’s national team selection (14).

Before joining the Miss Universe Thailand competition, Ann was active in Thailand mainly as a plus-size model, which can be considered a rare thing for Thai beauty pageant queens (14). This is because, in Thai society, girls with smaller body frames are considered “ideal beauty,” and Annchilee herself has also faced rejection as she was once considered “too big” with her 183cm height and 71kg body (15).

Annchilee wowed the audience and judges by challenging the perceptions of Thai beauty standards with her “#RealSizeBeauty” message and was eventually crowned the winner of Miss Universe Thailand 2021 (14). Annchilee is also known as a warm, passionate, and friendly person, and she is a strong advocate for body positivity. She has said that each person is built differently and what matters is how people take care of their bodies (13). With her outgoing and confident persona, it is not a surprise to see that many fans adore Annchilee.

Miss Universe Thailand 2020

Name: Amanda Chalisa Obdam

Birthdate: June 17, 1993

Height: 170cm

Weight: 52kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.obdam/

Before winning the title of Miss Universe Thailand in 2020, this Thai-Canadian beauty had competed in many other beauty pageant competitions, such as Miss Grand Thailand 2016 and Miss Thailand World 2015 (16). Amanda is an advocate for mental health issues, and her campaign ‘Have You Listened’ encourages people to become better listeners. And because of this, Amanda was appointed as the brand ambassador for mental health by Thai health authorities, although she was later fired due to political conflicts (8).

Amanda’s costumes during the Miss Universe 2020 were also loved by her fans, especially her evening gown, which became the center of attention in Thailand. According to the official Facebook page of Miss Universe Thailand, this Miss Universe Thailand’s evening gown was inspired by her background as an ‘island girl’ from Phuket, and the details of the gown were made to resemble the waves of the Andaman Sea (16). And despite not winning the crown for Miss Universe 2020, Amanda was able to reach the Top 10.

Miss Universe Thailand 2019

Name: Fahsai Paweensuda Drouin

Birthdate: October 12, 1993

Height: 181cm

Weight: Unknown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paweensuda

Paweensuda, or ‘Fahsai’ as her nickname, was born and raised in Canada by a Thai-Chinese mother and a Canadian father. Later in her life, she moved to Thailand to work as a model and a DJ and entered several major beauty pageants in Thailand from 2013 (17).

She was selected as the 1^st runner-up during the 2013 edition of Miss Thailand and as the 2^nd runner-up for 2017 Miss Universe Thailand and chosen for the Top 8 list of Miss Earth 2017 (17). Due to her previous experiences, Paweensuda was considered a fans’ favorite during the 2019 Miss Universe Thailand competition and won the crown.

When questioned about being the representative of Thailand when she has a western-looking face, Paweensuda answered that despite her features, she is a Thai on the inside and believes she can be Thailand’s representative on the world stage to make her country proud (18). And she did make her country and fans proud, as Paweensuda was chosen as one of the Top 5 finalists for Miss Universe 2019.

Miss Universe Thailand 2018

Name: Sophida Kanchanarin

Birthdate: March 31, 1995

Height: 170cm

Weight: Unknown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ningsophidaa/

This 2018 Miss Universe Thailand had created a lot of stirs online when she bested Paveena Singh, a Thai-Indian beauty who had been an online favorite to win the competition that year. Many fans complained that she was favored due to her wealth and educational background as she was a finance student from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a bank manager at TMB bank (19).

However, many also came to Sophida’s defense, including Miss Universe Thailand 2016, Chalita Suansane. Chalita commented that beauty is not just on the outside, and since the judges’ decision is final in the competition, they must have seen something in Sophida, and that people should give her a chance to prove herself (19). Sophida ended up in the Top 10 finalists at the Miss Universe 2018 competition.

Miss Universe Thailand 2017

Name: Maria Poonlertlarp / Maria Lynn Ehren

Birthdate: January 18, 1992

Height: 183cm

Weight: 60kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marialynnehren/

Maria was 25 years old when she was crowned the Miss Universe Thailand 2017 (20). Born as a half-Thai, half-Swedish, Maria is 183cm tall and was active as a model before joining the competition. She is also a postgraduate in marketing from the Stockholm Business School and is fluent in Thai, English, Swedish, and Mandarin languages.

Maria represented Thailand at the Miss Universe 2017 pageant, where she was ranked among the Top 5 finalists. Currently, Maria is active as a model and an actress and recently starred in the hit drama F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers as Tia, the elder sister of the main character Thyme.

Miss Universe Thailand 2016

Name: Chalita Suansane

Birthdate: December 24, 1994

Height: 171cm

Weight: 58kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namtanlitaa/

Chalita became a massive inspiration for many Thai women when she displayed strong character and stamina during the tough competition of Miss Universe Thailand. Ever since a young age, Chalita had dreamed of becoming the beauty queen, and thanks to her brave and bold personality, she was crowned the Miss Universe Thailand 2016 (21).

After winning the title of Miss Universe Thailand 2016, Chalita represented Thailand at Miss Universe 2016 pageant held in Manila. She was placed in the top six at Miss Universe 2016 and received a warm welcome home from her fans and the media upon landing back in Thailand. At that time, Chalita even received an appreciation expressed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for her representation of Thai culture on the international stage (22).

Who Will Be The Next Miss Universe Thailand 2022?

Although not much has been announced about Miss Universe Thailand 2022 preliminary competitions, guesses are that it will more or less follow the same process as the previous ones. According to a 2019 press release by the competition, the process of choosing the Miss Universe Thailand is stated as below: (23)

1. Online applications opening

2. Online applications closure

3. Final auditions

4. Announcement of candidates

5. Swimsuit Competition

6. Preliminary Competition

7. Final Competition

And while the official delegates for the 2022 competition are yet to be announced, it is said that Prepetua Sermsup Smith will be applying for the Miss Universe Thailand this year. Prepetua is an international model who has worked in various countries like France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Thailand (24). Whether she will take the crown or not is something beauty pageant fans should watch out for during the competition this year.

Conclusion

Looking at the recent winners of Miss Universe Thailand and their final ranks at the Miss Universe competition, it’s safe to say that Thailand is a strong contender for Miss Universe almost every year. And while it is still a bit early to get excited for the next Miss Universe, beauty pageant fans are certainly looking forward to meeting the new Miss Universe Thailand 2022!

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

Want to learn more about Thai beauty queens? Check out our article on the Miss Thailand and Miss Thailand World competitions.

References

1. ทองเทพ, วัชชิรานนท์. “ดอกไม้มาพร้อมก้อนอิฐ” เมื่อนางงามและการเมืองอยู่บนเวทีประกวด. BBC News. [Online] October 11, 2020. https://www.bbc.com/thai/thailand-54460080.

2. Voice TV. “คุณแดง” ซบช่อง 5 จัดเวทีประกวดนางงาม “Miss Universe Thailand”. Voice TV. [Online] March 20, 2012. https://www.voicetv.co.th/read/34242.

3. Admin. ขาดทุนแล้วไง “ตี๋ แมทชิ่ง” ขอไปต่อธุรกิจประกวดนางงาม ลุ้นจัด Miss Universe อีกครั้ง. Positioningmag. [Online] April 30, 2019. https://positioningmag.com/1227717.

4. Kapook. 11 นางงามไทยในตำนาน อดีต-ปัจจุบัน ยังสวยอมตะ ! Kapook. [Online] June 8, 2020. https://women.kapook.com/view226925.html.

5. Paul. This Is What Apasra Hongsakula Looks Like: The First 75-year-old Former Thai Miss Universe Who Looks 30. 247 News Agency. [Online] March 15, 2022. https://247newsagency.com/entertainment/87080.html.

6. Angelopedia. Miss Universe Thailand : Info. Angelopedia. [Online] [Cited: April 26, 2022.] https://www.angelopedia.com/Beauty-Pageants-Info/Thailand/Miss-Universe-Thailand/9.

7. Brown, Sophie. Miss Universe Thailand Steps Down After ‘Red Shirts’ Slur. CNN World. [Online] June 10, 2014. https://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/10/world/asia/thailand-miss-universe-resigns/index.html.

8. Thai PBS World. Thai Beauty Queen Fired As Mental Health Ambassador Over Political Comments. Thai PBS World. [Online] March 2, 2021. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/mental-health-department-fires-miss-universe-thailand-2020-as-their-ambassador/.

9. Thai PBS World. ‘Use the platform if they have one.’ Talking Politics With Amanda Obdam. Thai PBS World. [Online] June 1, 2021. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/use-the-platform-if-they-have-one-talking-politics-with-amanda-obdam/.

10. Boyle, Gary. Miss Universe Thailand Accused Of Flag Abuse. Bangkok Post. [Online] November 24, 2021. https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/advanced/2220739/miss-universe-thailand-accused-of-flag-abuse.

11. Miss Universe Organization. COMPETITION RULES. Miss Universe. [Online] [Cited: April 27, 2022.] https://www.missuniverse.com/apply.

12. News9 Staff. Miss Universe: Significance Of Beauty Pageant, How To Apply, Eligibility And Other Requirements. News9. [Online] December 13, 2021. https://www.news9live.com/knowledge/miss-universe-significance-of-beauty-pageant-how-to-apply-eligibility-and-other-requirements-140189.

13. Chuah, Rachel. 71kg Model Anchilee Scott-Kemmis Wins Miss Universe Thailand 2021. Hype. [Online] October 28, 2021. https://hype.my/2021/250910/71kg-model-anchilee-scott-kemmis-wins-miss-universe-thailand-2021/.

14. Vattanapoon, Karatpetch. 5 Facts About Anchilee Scott-Kemmis, The Newly Crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2021. Lifestyle Asia. [Online] October 26, 2021. https://www.lifestyleasia.com/bk/living/people/5-facts-about-anchilee-scott-kemmis-miss-universe-thailand-2021/.

15. Thongnoi, Jitsiree. Miss Universe Thailand’s #realsizebeauty Message Resonates As Standards Shift. South China Morning Post. [Online] December 6, 2021. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3157036/miss-universe-thailands-realsizebeauty-message-resonates-standards.

16. Thai PBS World. Wowing Miss Universe fans, Thailand’s Amanda Obdam reaches Top 10. Thai PBS World. [Online] May 17, 2021. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/wowing-miss-universe-fans-thailands-amanda-obdam-reaches-top-10/.

17. Cheema, Sukhbir. 5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Miss Thailand Universe 2019, Paweensuda Drouin. Mashable SEAsia. [Online] July 1, 2019. https://sea.mashable.com/thailand/4728/5-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-miss-thailand-universe-2019-paweensuda-drouin.

18. Thaitrakulpanich, Asaree. Thai-Canadian Fan Favorite Wins Miss Universe Thailand 2019. Khaosod English. [Online] July 1, 2019. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2019/07/01/thai-canadian-fan-favorite-wins-miss-universe-thailand-2019/.

19. Thaitrakulpanich, Asaree. Netizens in Uproar Over Miss Universe Thailand. Khaosod English. [Online] July 2, 2018. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/culture/net/2018/07/02/netizens-in-uproar-over-miss-universe-thailand/.

20. Online Reporters. Miss Universe Thailand 2017 Crowned. Bangkok Post. [Online] July 30, 2017. https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/1296715/miss-universe-thailand-2017-crowned/.

21. ProPakistani. Empowering Pretty Fearless Women Around the World. ProPakistani. [Online] March 8, 2022.

22. Fredrickson, Terry. Home Again: Warm Welcome for ‘Namtan’ (Updated). Bangkok Post. [Online] February 1, 2017. https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/advanced/1190108/home-again-warm-welcome-for-namtan.

23. Kaur, Seerat. Miss Universe Thailand 2019 Press Release and Schedule of Events Announced. [Online] April 30, 2019. https://www.angelopedia.com/news/Miss-Universe-Thailand-2019-Press-Release-Schedule-Of-Events/48892.

24. Bhardwaj, Priya. Miss Universe Thailand 2022 Wishlist: Perpetua Sermsup Smith. Angelopedia. [Online] January 2, 2022. https://www.angelopedia.com/news/Miss-Universe-Thailand-2022-Wishlist-Delegate-Perpetua-Sermsup-Smith-Application-Thailand/54386.

25. Russel Wiki. Thailand At Major Beauty Pageants . Russel Wiki. [Online] [Cited: May 2, 2022.] https://russel.fandom.com/wiki/Thailand_at_major_beauty_pageants.

The post Miss Universe Thailand: History, Winners & Controversies appeared first on ThaiGuider.

For 2022, one of the most anticipated dramas among local and international fans would be the Thai remake version of the highly popular drama series – F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers.

In this article, you can find out more about the origin of the F4 series, the plot and characters of F4 Thailand, profiles of cast members, and where to watch F4 Thailand in the US and other countries for free!

Previous F4 Series’ and their Popularity Across Asian Countries

Originally Based on Japanese Manga:

If you are a fan of Asian drama series, you would have at least heard of the popular drama series F4 or Boys Over Flowers. Based on the equally popular Japanese manga named ‘Hana Yori Dango’ (Boys Over Flowers) by Yoko Kamio – the plotline consists of F4, who are the richest and most powerful students at their high school, and the female lead character, Tsukushi, who is poor (or at least average), but strong and brave.

If you are unfamiliar with the series, the story starts when the female lead gets a scholarship to attend an exclusive school full of privileged kids from wealthy families. The school is ruled by a group of four most powerful and “richest of the rich” students called ‘F4’, who target the people they do not like by giving them a ‘red card’ – a signal for the whole student body to openly bully the targeted individual.

The heroine caught the attention of F4 when she defended her friend, who was marked by the group, which caused her to be the next bullying target. Despite being bullied by other students, she didn’t back down, and long story short, the F4 leader started to become interested in her. Through the twist and turns of events, the two lead characters fall in love, but they have to face many challenges throughout the series due to their differences in social status and wealth (1).

Adapted into Drama and Movies:

The original manga has been adapted into drama and movies many times by different casts and countries.

Taiwan:

In 2001, it was first turned into a drama series by Taiwan (2) and became the iconic ‘Meteor Garden’ series which fans dubbed as the ‘original F4’; Dao Ming Si, Hua Ze Lei, Xi Men, and Mei Zuo. The drama gained unprecedented success as nearly 500 million people across Asia watched this drama (2). Even the drama’s original soundtrack hit 300,000 sales, which was never heard of for a Taiwanese drama at that time (3).

The cast members – Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, Ken Chu, and Vanness Wu, who acted as the F4 members, became extremely popular, and as a result of the success they gained from the drama, they later formed the band named ‘F4’. Together, the band released 3 albums and was loved by fans from both Taiwan and other Asian countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, etc.

Japan:

In 2005, Japan aired its drama adaption of the original manga with the same name ‘Hana Yori Dango’ (4). The cast members include Jun Matsumoto as Tsukasa Domyoji, Shun Oguri as Rui Hanazawa, Shota Matsuda as Sojiro Nishikado, Tsuyoshi Abe as Akira Mimasaka, and Mao Inoue as Tsukushi Makino (the female lead character). The Japanese version also became a hit, with an average rating of 19.76% at the time of airing (5). The series home page also received 170 million page views, which was the highest number of views achieved by the station (4).

Korea:

The Korean version of the F4 series is perhaps the most well-known version among young fans as it was aired in 2009 (6) when the Hallyu Wave and Korean dramas were starting to gain huge success internationally. Known as ‘Boys Over Flowers,’ the series’ cast members were Lee Minho as Gu Junpyo (counterpart of Dao Ming Si/Tsukasa Domyoji), Kim Hyunjoong as Yoon Jihoo (counterpart of Hua Ze Lei/Rui), Kim Bum as So Yijung (counterpart of Xi Men/Sojiro), Kim Joon as Song Woobin (counterpart of Mei Zuo/Akira), and Ku Hyesun as Geum Jandi (the female lead/Tsukushi). Like the other adaptations, the series also received a lot of popularity overseas, and over one hundred countries watched Boys Over Flowers Korean version (7).

China:

The Chinese version of the F4 series was also aired in 2018 with the name “Meteor Garden,” starring Dylan Wang, Darren Chen, Liang Jing Kang, Caesar Wu as F4 members and Shen Yue as the female lead character (8).

F4 Thailand (Casting, Plotline & Airing)

In October 2019, it was first announced by GMMTV that the popular F4 series would be adapted into a Thai version, receiving a lot of interest from the fans. In September 2020, the first teaser of F4 Thailand or Boys Over Flowers Thailand or Meteor Garden Thailand was released.

Casting:

The main cast members were also revealed as Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree, Dew Jirawat Sutivanichsak, Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, Nani Hirunkit Changkham as the F4 members, and Tu Tontawan Tantivejakul as the series’ heroine. Once the cast members were revealed, it caused a lot of buzz from both the original series fans and the fans of the actors.

One of the main reasons was the series is starring Bright and Win, who previously acted together in an international and domestic hit BL drama called ‘2gether: The series’. The fans and shippers of these two actors were both delighted to see their favorites acting together in another project. But at the same time, not so pleased that these two won’t be acting like a couple as they did in the previous project. This created a lot of interest for the F4 Thailand series.

Tu Tontawan, being chosen as the heroine of the series, also received tons of attention, both from the fans and the media, as Tu is a new face who was previously mainly active as a model, and the F4 Thailand series is her first project as an actress. Nevertheless, the series certainly received much attention from Thai fans and international fans, making it a highly anticipated drama.

Plotline:

The series began the filming process in 2021, and F4 Thailand release date was on December 18, 2021, through the GMMTV channel. The plotline of F4 Thailand stays very similar to the other versions of the series, but with some local adaptations to match the target audience.

To briefly introduce the story of F4 Thailand, the plot follows the story of Gorya, the female protagonist of the series, who received an athletic scholarship to attend the Kocher Highschool. The school is run by a group of rich students called F4 who control the ‘bullying game’ with a ‘red card.’

Just like in the original manga and series adaptations, Gorya stood up against Thyme, the leader of F4, when her new friend at the school accidentally angered him. Gorya became the new target of bullying as she received a ‘red card’ from Thyme. While hiding away from other students, Gorya met with Ren and started to become interested in Ren, who is a bit different from other rowdy F4 members. When Gorya decided to fight head-on with Thyme, he became interested in Gorya and decided to take her on a date.

Bickering at first, later, they gradually become closer. Goya’s initial interest in Ren also caused conflicts between Thyme and Ren and the F4 members, but they eventually reconciled. As their relationships develop, more challenges await them, especially from Thyme’s controlling mother, Roselyn (9).

Many fans have noted that the plotline of F4 Thailand is a modernized version of the original manga, as it uses social media and technology to advance the storyline. Also, the plotline is more fast-paced compared to the original Taiwan version and the Korean version, as F4 Thailand only consists of 16 episodes (10).

Airing:

Currently, it is being aired every Saturday through the GMMTV channel and can also be streamed on GMMTV’s official YouTube channel and streaming platform Viu (11). F4 Thailand consists of 16 episodes, which aired from 18 December 2021 to 2 April 2022.

Characters and Members of F4 Thailand

The characters for the F4 Thailand series are almost the same as the other F4 series, with some altercations such as names, and ages, to match the local context better. Here are the characters’ profiles for both the original F4 series fans and the new fans of this series.

Members of F4 Thailand:

1. Thyme Akira Paramaanantra

In the series, Thyme is the male lead of the series and the counterpart of Tsukasa Domyoji/ Dao Ming Si/ Gu Junpyo. He is the leader of the F4 group and also the heir of the ‘Parama Group,’ making him very influential among the students at Kocher High School Bangkok. Due to his status and wealth, Thyme is used to getting what he wants and bullies other students who cross his way.

After meeting Gorya, who stands up against his antics and is different from other students at the school, he started to develop an interest in her – although at first, he made her the target of bullying from the whole school. Thyme’s childish and immature character slowly changes as he falls in love with Gorya. But his sudden anger outbursts cause many problems between him and Gorya throughout the series.

However, compared to other versions of the F4 series, Thyme’s character is said to be more well-developed, as he is more in touch with his feelings and more respectful towards his love interest (13). Also, the name ‘Thyme’ means ‘status,’ ‘prestige,’ or ‘rank’ in Thai, making it very fitting for such a character who is very privileged and wealthy (14).

2. Ren Renrawin Aira

In F4 Thailand, Ren is the counterpart of Rui Hanazawa/ Hua Ze Lei/ Yoon Jihoo in the other versions of F4 and is famous for his mysteriousness (which is very suitable to the name as Ren can be translated into ‘hide’ in the Thai language) and gentle persona. This makes him stand out from the rest of the F4 members.

According to the plotline of F4 Thailand, Ren comes from a well-respected family that runs Thailand’s number one health center (15). During his childhood, Ren was a ‘weak’ child, and because of this, F4’s childhood friend Mira took care of him in particular, making him fall for her as they grow up. When Gorya became the target of bullying at Kocher Highschool, Ren often helped her, and Gorya became interested in Ren as she thinks he is different from the rest of the F4 members.

However, Ren only had his eyes on Mira, and when Mira decided to move to France for her career, Gorya encouraged him to follow Mira- which he did, but their relationship did not work out. Throughout the series, Ren is often seen helping Gorya as her relationship with Thyme faces many challenges along the way.

3. Kavin Taemiyaklin Kittiyangkul

Kavin is the third F4 member and heir to one of the oldest families in Thailand (16); Kavin is also influential and rich like other F4 members. Kavin is also known as the playboy as he does not take relationships seriously and considers that love is not for a guy like him.

As Gorya and Thyme’s relationship develops, Kavin also becomes close with Goya’s best friend, Kaning, who works at the flower shop together with Gorya. When Kaning got dumped by her boyfriend, Kavin helped her take revenge on him by pretending that he is dating Kaning.

As they become closer, Kaning falls for Kavin, but later in the series reveals that Kavin was still not over his childhood friend and first love, Mona (17). 

4. MJ Methas Jarustiwa 

Better known as his nickname ‘MJ,’ Methas Jarustiwa is the fourth F4 member known for his carefree attitude and playboy personality (1). MJ’s family background is slightly different from the rest of the F4 members as he was born into a mafia family that runs the largest entertainment venues in Thailand (18).

With his long hair and broad physique, MJ gives off a bad-boy and more mature vibe than the other 3. He can be considered the group’s big brother figure as he is always willing to help his friends and Gorya whenever problems arise.

The Heroine:

Gorya Thitara Jundee

The heroine of the F4 Thailand series is a brave and innocent girl named Thitara Jundee, better known by her nickname ‘Gorya.’ Unlike the F4 members and the majority of students from Kocher Highschool, Gorya comes from a poor family. She was only able to attend the school due to her athletic scholarship.

Gorya’s character can be considered brave and head-strong as she stands up against F4 members and the school’s bullying system. Gorya is also very loyal to her friends and family and does not hesitate to help the ones in need. And although her friend Hana did not help her when Thyme and other students bullied her, she forgave her and even continued being friends with her – showing her forgiving and sincere personality (19).

And it’s her personality (and the famous ‘high kick’) that caught the interest of Thyme. Throughout the series, Gorya is faced with a lot of difficulties. Still, thanks to her strong and loveable character, she has also gained new friends – F4 members, Mira, Thyme’s older sister Tia, Lita, along the way. Gorya also has one younger sibling, Glakao.

Supporting Characters:

Kaning:

Best friend of Gorya. Together, Gorya and Kaning work at the flower shop, and as F4 members visit the flower shop to meet Gorya, Kaning meets Kavin. The love storyline between Kaning and Kavin also adds more drama and fun aspects to the drama, and many fans are also rooting for them to get their happy ending.

Roselyn:

The antagonist of the series and the controlling mother of Thyme, Roselyn is a rich and powerful businesswoman who does not care about anything other than success and reputation. She is the reason behind Thyme’s bullying tendencies at school. When Roselyn finds out about Thyme and Gorya, she is set to break them up due to the differences in their social status.

Mira:

Mira is an heiress and a childhood friend of the F4 members. She took care of Ren when they were young, which led to Ren falling for her as they grew up.

F4 Thailand Actors & Actresses

Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree (Thyme):

Full Name: Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree    

Age: 24 years old

Height: 183cm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbrightvc/

Bright is an actor signed under GMMTV, and he has gained popularity after starring in the BL hit drama “2gether: The Series” alongside Win Metawin. Born on 12th December 1997, Bright comes from a mixed-ethnic family, with his father being Thai-American, and his mom being Thai-Chinese (1).

With a height of over 180cm and handsome features, Bright seems like a perfect fit to play the role of a rich heir and a high school heartthrob. Aside from being an actor, Bright is talented in playing guitar and taking landscape photography (1). On Instagram, Bright has over 13.5M followers – proving his status as one of the biggest stars in Thailand.

Dew Jirawat Sutivanisak (Ren):

Full Name: Dew Jirawat Sutivanisak

Age: 21 years old

Height: 190cm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dew_jsu/

As Ren’s character is the counterpart of the famous Hua Ze Lei character, played by Vic Zhou in the original F4 Taiwan series, many were curious to see who would be cast for the Thailand version. In September, it was revealed that model Dew Jirawat got this role. Before acting in F4 Thailand, Dew was active as a model, and Ren is his first major role.

Born in October 2000, Dew is the youngest member of the F4 casts (1). Dew loves drawing, just like his character Ren in the drama (20). And just by looking at his Instagram photos, one can tell that Dew loves cats as he often uploads photos of his cat on his account. Dew is currently endorsing various brands, including the Dutch Mill advertisement in which he appeared together with the rest of the F4 members. 

Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn (Kavin):

Full Name: Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn

Age: 23 years old

Height: 185cm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winmetawin/

Win Metawin, or as fans called him, ‘Win,’ shares many similarities with Bright. They both gained fame by playing as a couple in the internationally popular BL drama ‘2gether: The Series.’ Their fans know them as ‘BrightWin.’ This caused a lot of buzz when the cast members were revealed for the first time, as many were used to seeing Bright and Win together as a couple.

For the new fans who know him for the first time from this series, Win is already one of the biggest rising stars in Thailand, signed under GMMTV as an actor. Win’s birthday was on February 21, 1999, and he can speak English fluently as he was an international exchange student at Belmond–Klemme Community School District in Iowa, United States (21).

Currently having 11.7M followers on his Instagram account, Win’s portrayal of Kavin in the F4 Thailand series and his love storyline with Kaning in the drama makes people anticipate him for more romantic-comedy roles in the future.

Nani Hirunkit Changkham (MJ):

Full Name: Nani Hirunkit Changkham

Age: 24 years old

Height: 180cm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hirunkit_/

Unlike Win and Bright (or BrightWin), who already have huge fanbases before this project, Nani is a completely new face to many. Born in 1997 (22), Nani was a model before landing the role of MJ, the carefree, jokester F4 member. Many fans said that Nani resembles Ken Chu from the original Meteor Garden as they both have long hairstyles and broad physiques (1).

And although MJ is the fun-loving playboy in the drama, Nani, in reality, is currently studying at Ramkhamhaeng University as a political science major student (22), making him very different from his on-screen character. With over 2M followers on his Instagram account, fans cannot wait to see more from Nani in the future.

Tu Tontawan Tantivejakul (Gorya):

Full Name: Tu Tontawan Tantivejakul

Age: 21 years old

Height: 165cm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tontawan/

Tontawan Tantivejakul, or as her fans called ‘Tu,’ is the heroine of the F4 Thailand series. This young actress was born on November 7, 2000, and is also the younger sister of the actor and musician, Tonhon Tantivejakul (23). Tu was active as a model before being cast as Gorya in the series.

According to the director of F4 Thailand, he chooses Tu after seeing her photos on social media and felt that she looks visually stunning. Still, he chooses her for Gorya because she has great instincts as an actress even though this is her first acting role and the chemistry between Bright and Tu. And despite Gorya being her first acting debut role, Tu has been receiving a lot of love from the fans for her portrayal of the character and recently hit 3M followers on her Instagram account.

Tu is also known for her great sense of style and can be seen endorsing many big-name brands like Prada on her Instagram account. Apart from being a model and actress, Tu is a future dentist as she is currently attending dentistry at the famous Chulalongkorn University in Thailand (23).

Tu is also well-known to be a Kpop fangirl. She once revealed that she was a Kpop club president at school and is an avid fan of the Kpop boy group ‘NCT’ – particularly the youngest member ‘Jisung,’ as she has uploaded multiple posts about him on her social media accounts (24).

Prim Chanikan Tangkabodee (Kaning):

Full Name: Prim Chanikan Tangkabodee

Age: 18 years old

Height: 159cm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primiily/

Playing the role of Kaning, best friend of Gorya and potential love interest for Kavin, is the actress, Prim. This young actress was born on February 20, 2004. She has appeared in over 30 commercials due to her experience as a child actress (25).

Prim also acted as the younger version of the main characters in the movies Timeline’ and ‘Chiang Khan Story’ (26), making her well known among Thai movie fans. As a young actress, Prim is best known for her roles in the dramas ‘Blacklist’ and ‘The Gifted: Graduation.’ With her role as Kaning in F4 Thailand, Prim has gained attention from the series’ fans and has over 3 million followers on her Instagram.

Cindy Bishop (Roselyn):

Full Name: Cynthia Carmen Burbridge-Bishop or Sirinya Winsiri

Age: 43 years old

Height: 178cm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindysirinya/

The main antagonist of the series is played by none other than Cindy Bishop, a Thai supermodel. She is best known internationally as the host of Asia’s Next Top Model program. This Thai-American supermodel and actress is also the winner of Miss Thailand World 1996 and has been active in the entertainment industry for more than 28 years (27).

Although she plays the role of a controlling mother who only cares about power and money in the series, Cindy is a strong advocate for gender equality in real life. In 2018, Cindy founded the #DontTellMeHowToDress movement to stand against victim-blaming and sexual assault. She is currently the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for the Asia Pacific region, starting from 2020.

However, there is one thing that Cindy and her character Roselyn have in common – they are both powerful and influential women. The BBC chose Cindy as one of the 100 most influential women in 2020 (27).

F4 Thailand vs. Other F4 Series (Similarities & Differences)

The Similarities:

As F4 Thailand is a remake of the original F4 series adapted by Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and China, there are many similarities between the Thai version and the previous ones. Below are some of the similar points as seen in the drama.

The Name of the Heroine:

In the F4 Thailand series, the heroine’s name is ‘Gorya .’In the Thai language, ‘Gorya’ can be translated into ‘clump of grass’ (28). This is a reference to the name of the heroine in the original F4 manga – Tsukushi, which means ‘grass/weed’ in Japanese. In the Korean adaption of F4, the heroine’s name is also ‘Geum Jandi,’ whose literal translation is ‘golden grass’ as Geum means gold, and Jandi means grass in the Korean language. 

Fashion Styles of Each Character:

In every F4 series, each character has its own distinct fashion style, and F4 Thailand also keeps this tradition. Fitting for a leader of the F4 group, Thyme’s style can be described as extravagant and eye-catching as he often wears prints-over-prints (leopard-print fur coat over a tiger print t-shirt, printed button-downs, and leather jackets) (29). Meanwhile, Ren and Kavin’s fashion styles are neutral colors and preppy looks (29). They are often seen wearing cardigans, vests, and jackets in neutral shades- complementing Ren’s mysterious nature and Kavin’s soft, flower boy aura. MJ’s carefree attitude is reflected in his sense of style, with leather jackets, printed shirts over tank-tops (29), and most importantly, his ponytail. These styles are also similar to how the characters in other adaptations and manga dress, making it a fun tradition of the F4 series.

The Love Triangles:

Like every rom-com and teen drama, love triangles are also essential in the F4 series. The love triangle between Thyme-Gorya-Ren and the love triangle between Gorya-Thyme-Lita keep the viewers excited for the next episodes to come. In the other adaptations, the love triangle between the two F4 members and the heroine also makes the F4 series fun, especially during the first few episodes of the series.

The Side Love Story:

The relationship between Kavin and Kaning is also focused on later in the drama (although not as much as the main couple.) This is the same as in other versions of the F4 series. In every version of F4, especially in the Korean adaption, the love story between the playboy F4 member and the innocent best friend of the heroine received a lot of love from the fans. Likewise, many fans are rooting for Kavin and Kaning in this version, and with few episodes left for the finale of the series, everyone is curious to see if they will also get their happy ending as well or not.

The Differences:

The Pace of the Drama:

Compared to the Taiwan and Korean versions, F4 Thailand is more fast-paced as it only has 16 episodes. This makes the relationships between the characters escalate more quickly, and character developments happen within a few episodes. While it is good for the viewers who want to know how the story will unfold quickly, some might think that it has many unanswered questions and scenes not highlighted compared to the original manga.

The Bullying:

One of the issues about the F4 series is the story and the relationship between the two main characters, which started with bullying. This aspect is kept the same in F4 Thailand, but the way the bullying is portrayed in the Thailand version is more advanced and harsher compared to the other versions; in one episode, the bullying students are looking for Gorya so that they can shave her head (30). The bullying story arc in F4 Thailand is presented in a darker and more serious tone, as it is reflected in how social hierarchy and herd mentality work. Also, in this version, Thyme had mentioned that F4 did not instigate the bullying in the school but merely provided a game for students to have “anonymous accounts in real life” – shedding light on the way people use social media for cyberbullying (31).

The Role of Thyme’s Mother:

In the Korean adaption of F4, the male lead’s (Gu Junpyo’s) mother was not as important to the plotline nor cruel as Roselyn in F4 Thailand. In this version, Roselyn can be considered the main antagonist as she is the reason why Thyme has become a person with anger outbursts and violent tendencies. Roselyn wants Thyme to be the most influential student because she believes that if he cannot control other students, he won’t be able to control the family’s business. This leads him to target everyone who does not follow his will. The Korean version did not directly reveal why the male lead became the person he is, but here, Roselyn is the main reason for Thyme’s initial personality and character. She is also responsible for most of the hardships Gorya and Thyme face in the drama.

Thyme’s Personality:

Although Thyme is similar to his counterparts in the way they all are childish, selfish, and wants everything to go according to their will, Thyme seems to be a lot more upfront about his emotions. There were scenes in which Thyme is seen crying or being honest about his feelings, while in other versions, the male lead tends to bottle up their emotions, especially when it comes to their love interests. Thyme is also kinder and more respectful towards Gorya. He did not force himself on her, which is a much-needed improvement from the original F4 Taiwan version and its problematic scene where Dao Ming Si forcefully kissed Shan Cai to the point that her clothes were ripped (32).

More Realistic Settings:

Compared to the extravagant settings seen in the manga and other versions, F4 Thailand utilizes more down-to-earth and relatable ones instead. For instance, Gorya got into this exclusive high school because she received a scholarship. Also, Gorya’s house, the way she uses the old bus to commute to school, the use of social media to spread rumors, etc., are very relatable to the teenagers in Thailand, making it more realistic and less ‘shojo’ like (31).

Conclusion

As the series is nearing its finale, it is interesting to see how the characters have developed and how the cast members have grown into their on-screen characters’ personalities. With both similarities and differences to the original manga and previous adaptations, F4 Thailand is a fun, light-hearted drama that fans of the romantic comedy genre should give a try!

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

And if you want to know more about the series and the cast members, here are the most FAQs to unpack the drama at a glance.

F4 Thailand Frequently Asked Questions

Is F4 Thailand on Netflix?

Unfortunately, F4 Thailand streaming is currently not available on Netflix or Viki. However, watching F4 Thailand in the US and other countries can be streamed on the Viu platform and GMMTV’s official YouTube channel. In Thailand, the F4 Thailand air date is every Saturday, being aired from the GMM25 channel (33). F4 Thailand can also be watched for free on other streaming platforms like Kissasian or Dramacool.

Is F4 Thailand a Remake?

Yes, F4 Thailand is a remake of the Japanese manga named ‘Hana Yori Dango’ and the drama adaptations of the same manga by Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and China (9).

Is F4 and Boys Over Flowers the Same?

F4 is the group of main characters in the manga ‘Hana Yori Dango’ or ‘Boys Over Flowers.’ However, fans usually refer to the drama as ‘F4’ ever since the Taiwan version of the drama was aired.

Is F4 Thailand the same as Meteor Garden?

As F4 Thailand is the adaptation of the same manga on which Meteor Garden was based, the plot and the main characters are the same but with added localizations to keep the drama more interesting for the local fans.

Is F4 Thailand a Kdrama?

Although F4 Thailand is a remake of the K-drama adaptation with the same name ‘Boys Over Flowers’ (6), it is not a K-drama as the main casts are Thai actors and actresses (9). Also, the plot is based in Thailand as well.

Is Meteor Garden a Remake of Boys Over Flowers?

Taiwan drama ‘Meteor Garden’ is a remake of the Japanese manga named ‘Boys Over Flowers’ or ‘Hana Yori Dango’ (2). 2018 version of the Chinese drama ‘Meteor Garden’ is also a remake of the same Japanese manga as the Korean drama ‘Boys Over Flowers’ (8).

Who is the Most Popular in F4?

According to the plotline, the leader of F4 (Tsukasa Domyoji/ Dao Ming Si/ Gu Junpyo/ Thyme) is the most popular in F4. In real life, many have agreed that Jerry Yan, who played the role of Dao Ming Si in the Taiwan version of the drama, is considered the most popular F4 member (34).

Who is Hua Ze Lei in F4 Thailand?

Ren is the counterpart of Hua Ze Lei in F4 Thailand. Actor Dew Jirawat Sutivanisak is the one who plays this role (15).

When are the Episode Air Dates?

Episode 1 Release Date: 18 December 2021
Episode 2 Release Date: 25 December 2021
Episode 3 Release Date: 1 January 2022
Episode 4 Release Date: 8 January 2022
Episode 5 Release Date: 15 January 2022
Episode 6 Release Date: 22 January 2022
Episode 7 Release Date: 29 January 2022
Episode 8 Release Date: 5 February 2022
Episode 9 Release Date: 12 February 2022
Episode 10 Release Date: 19 February 2022
Episode 11 Release Date: 26 February 2022
Episode 12 Release Date: 5 March 2022
Episode 13 Release Date: 12 March 2022
Episode 14 Release Date: 19 March 2022
Episode 15 Release Date: 26 March 2022
Episode 16 Release Date: 2 April 2022

References

1. Lim, Therese Marie. Meet The New F4: The Stars Of Thailand’s ‘Boys Over Flowers’ Remake. TheBeauLife. [Online] January 17, 2022. https://thebeaulife.co/art-entertainment-news/f4-thailand-cast-roles-boys-over-flowers/.

2. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. Meteor Garden. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. [Online] [Cited: March 30, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/Meteor_Garden/.

3. Luju Bar. How Popular Was “Meteor Garden“ Back Then? Not Only Is F4 Popular, But Even Zhong Hanliang Is Playing Soy Sauce In The Play. Luju Bar. [Online] May 20, 2021. https://lujuba.cc/en/557061.html/.

4. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. Hana Yori Dango (Japanese Drama) . Boys Over Flowers Wiki. [Online] [Cited: March 30, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/Hana_Yori_Dango_(Japanese_drama)/.

5. Audience Rating TV. 視聴率 > 2005年10～12月 > ランキング. Audience Rating TV. [Online] [Cited: March 30, 2022.] https://artv.info/ar0510-max.html/.

6. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. Boys Over Flowers (Korean Drama). Boys Over Flowers Wiki. [Online] [Cited: March 30, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/Boys_Over_Flowers_(Korean_drama)/.

7. Erin. 《花样男子》获得2015 Soompi韩流特别奖 李敏镐表示祝贺感谢 . Korea Star Daily. [Online] February 25, 2016. https://www.koreastardaily.com/sc/news/74296/.

8. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. Meteor Garden (2018 Drama) . Boys Over Flowers Wiki. [Online] [Cited: March 30, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/Meteor_Garden_(2018_drama)/.

9. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. [Online] [Cited: March 31, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/F4_Thailand:_Boys_Over_Flowers#Summary/.

10. BeLight. F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers (2021). My Drama List. [Online] January 12, 2022. https://mydramalist.com/50007-boys-over-flowers/reviews/.

11. Lazur, Kristen. F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers Episode 15 Preview: Release Date, Time & Where to Watch. The Review Geek. [Online] March 27, 2022. https://www.thereviewgeek.com/f4thailand-e15releasedate/.

12. Lazur, Kristen. F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers – Season 1 Episode 14 Recap & Review. The Review Geek. [Online] March 26, 2022. https://www.thereviewgeek.com/f4thailand-boysoverflowers-s1e14review/.

13. TV Tropes. Series / F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers. TV Tropes. [Online] [Cited: March 31, 2022.] https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Series/FFourThailandBoysOverFlowers/.

14. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. Thyme Akira Paramaanantra . Boys Over Flowers Wiki. [Online] [Cited: March 31, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/Akira_Paramaanantra#Etymology/.

15. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. Ren Renrawin Aira. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. [Online] [Cited: March 31, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/Renrawin_Aira/.

16. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. Kavin Taemiyaklin Kittiyangkul . Boys Over Flowers Wiki. [Online] [Cited: March 31, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/Kavin_Taemiyaklin_Kittiyangkul/.

17. Lazur, Kristen. F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers – Season 1 Episode 13 Recap & Review. The Review Geek. [Online] March 19, 2022. https://www.thereviewgeek.com/f4thailand-boysoverflowers-s1e13review/.

18. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. MJ Methas Jarustiwa. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. [Online] [Cited: March 31, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/Methas_Jarustiwa/.

19. Laraswaty, Nuty. Unpacking Gorya’s Super Cool Character In F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers. 1 News. [Online] January 7, 2022. https://1news.my.id/2022/01/07/unpacking-goryas-super-cool-character-in-f4-thailand-boys-over-flowers/.

20. Dazeddenise. Dew Jirawat Profile And Facts. KProfiles. [Online] [Cited: March 31, 2022.] https://kprofiles.com/dew-jirawat-profile-and-facts/.

21. My Drama List. Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn. My Drama List. [Online] [Cited: April 1, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/30005-win-metawin-opas-iamkajorn/.

22. My Drama List. Nani Hirunkit Changkham. My Drama List. [Online] [Cited: April 1, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/50861-nani-hirunkit-changkham/.

23. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. Tu Tontawan Tantivejakul. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. [Online] [Cited: April 1, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/Tontawan_Tantivejakul/.

24. Bautista, Rafael. 7 Times F4 Thailand’s Tu Tontawan Proved That Her Love Of K-pop Knew No Bounds. Nylong Manila. [Online] February 24, 2022. https://nylonmanila.com/tu-tontawan-tantivejakul-kpop-stan/.

25. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. Prim Chanikan Tangkabodee. Boys Over Flowers Wiki. [Online] [Cited: April 1, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/Chanikan_Tangkabodee/.

26. ไทยรัฐออนไลน์. น่ารักเว่อร์! ‘พรีม’ ดาราเด็กดาวรุ่งพุ่งแรง! ตุ๊กแกรักแป้งมาก . Thairath. [Online] September 9, 2014. https://www.thairath.co.th/content/448999/.

27. Bishop, Cindy Sirinya. Who I Am. Cindy Sirinya Bishop. [Online] [Cited: April 2, 2022.] https://www.cindysirinya.com/about-cindy/.

28. Thaitux Dictionary. Thai-Eng Lexitron Dict: กอหญ้า. Thaitux Dictionary. [Online] [Cited: April 2, 2022.] https://www.thaitux.info/dict/?words=กอหญ้า/.

29. Bendaña, LA. F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers — 8 Most Stylish Looks. 

Parcinq. [Online] February 8, 2022. https://www.parcinq.com/post/f4-thailand-boys-over-flowers-8-most-stylish-looks/.

30. Lazur, Kristen. F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers – Season 1 Episode 2 Recap & Review. The Review Geek. [Online] December 27, 2021. https://www.thereviewgeek.com/f4thailand-boysoverflowers-s1e2review/.

31. Lu, Lim Yian. How F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers Differs From The Other Remakes. Yahoo Life. [Online] December 23, 2021. https://sg.style.yahoo.com/f4-thailand-boys-over-flowers-differs-remakes-review-020634736.html/.

32. Thai, Spectrum. Spectrum Thai. Twitter. [Online] October 2, 2020. https://twtext.com/article/1311726934770946048/.

33. Bait, Harshali. How To Watch ‘F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers’ Online? Otakukart. [Online] December 21, 2021. https://otakukart.com/how-to-watch-f4-thailand-boys-over-flowers-online/.

34. Tan, Tammi34. Happy 20th Anniversary, Meteor Garden! Here’s what F4 Has Been Up To Since The Show Shot To Fame! Today. [Online] May 5, 2021. https://www.todayonline.com/8days/sceneandheard/entertainment/happy-20th-anniversary-meteor-garden-heres-what-f4-has-been-show/.

The post The Ultimate F4 Thailand Guide: Boys Over Flowers Series appeared first on ThaiGuider.

Many of them are also actors. If you would like to know more about the models in Thailand, scroll down to dive deeper into the glitz and glamor of Thailand’s model industry.

How Tall Are Thai Models?

Like in other countries, most Thai top models are tall and lean. Therefore, it is safe to say that one needs to be taller than average and have a thin figure to become a model in Thailand. As you will see in the list below, most female Thai models are at least 160 cm tall, while male models are around 178-180 cm on average. It has been said that to become a female runway model in Thailand, one needs to be at least 170 cm tall (1).

For commercial models, Thai female models can be a bit shorter than 170 cm and down to 160 cm, dependent on the body type and nature of the commercials (1). However, it would be safe to say that it is most suitable if a female is between 168-175 cm tall to become a model in Thailand (1).

For males, one needs to be at least 175 cm to become a model in Thailand, as most model contests (such as The Face Men Thailand) require their contestants to be 175 cm and above to participate in the competition (2). Some agencies might need their models to be taller, starting from 184 cm for male commercial models and 187 cm for male runway models (3).

More often than not, famous Thai supermodels and beauty queens tend to be mixed races and Eurasians, making them taller and more ‘exotic looking’ than an average Thai person. 

Different Types of Models in Thailand

There are also different types of Thai models. Aside from typical models in the entertainment industry who appear in commercial campaigns, advertisements, TV dramas, and movies, there are also sexy Thai models known as “pretties.” 

What are Pretties in Thailand?

Unlike regular models, “pretties” are more similar to the “booth babes” in the US (4). These hot Thai models are typically hired to promote the businesses at the trade shows and often dress in sexy, tight-fitting dresses to attract people’s attention. They also got hired as Emcees and can be seen in the promotional activities held at the markets, malls, and events (4). These “pretties” are famous on Instagram and are also known as sexy Thailand models. 

En-Models:

Another type of model in Thailand would be the “En” model, which stands for entertainment. Such gigs hire these EN models to entertain the customers solely – be it at an event, a private party, or even at someone’s house.

En models are also hired to hang out with their clients, like drinking or eating with them and having conversations. But most normal EN models’ job ends here with no expectation for sex (4). Different types of Thai En models exist, and each is slightly different from the other.

Below are the different types of En models and a brief explanation of each type:

En-Bikini:

Just as the name suggested, En-bikinis are required to wear bikinis the entire time during their gigs. They are typically hired for events with a pool or events held on the beach. They usually got paid around 2,500 THB to 10,000 THB per gig (4).

En-Up:

The ‘Up’ from this name comes from the word ‘up yaa’, which means getting high on party drugs. En-Up models are expected to take drugs like ecstasy or ketamine and party hard. They are usually paid anywhere from 3,000 THB to 10,000 THB (4).

En-Rang:

En-Rang models are hired for gigs that involve a lot of touching from the clients, as the word ‘Rang’ basically means ‘hardcore.’’ Even with all the touching, these gigs do not include any kind of intercourse, and En-Rang models are paid around 5,000 THB to 10,000 THB per job (4).

En-VIP:

En-VIP gigs are the most expensive, and the models hired for such gigs are expected to go all the way with the clients they are hired to entertain. The rates for these gigs vary according to the pretty’s profile. Pretty with any celebrity credentials can set their rates very high, starting anywhere from 7,000 THB to even up to 100,000 THB, depending on their credentials and popularity (4).

Supermodels in Thailand:

These models are the ones that you will see in commercials and advertisements of famous brands and even on the runways of highly prestigious fashion shows. Many well-known celebrities in Thailand started their careers as models and then made their debuts in movies, dramas, and some are even active as singers. As you would expect for the crème de la crème, these top stars get paid very highly and have a large fanbase.

Who Are The Top Thai Models & Supermodels?

To learn more about some of the most handsome and sexiest Thailand models, here is a compilation of 16 hot Thailand models based on their popularity, success, and beauty. 

(Disclaimer: The following list is ranked based on the number of followers each have on their Instagram accounts)

16. Sara Malakul Lane

Full Name: Sara Malakul Lane Groove

Known as: Sara

Career: Model/Actress

Born: February 1, 1983

Height: 172 cm

Weight: 57 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saramalakul/ (1.2M Followers)

With her dark brown eyes and voluptuous body, Sara Malakul Lane (or Sara) is one of the original, sexy Thai models. Born to an English father and a Thai mother, Sara is directly related to King Rama II on her mom’s side (5). Sara first started modeling and acting for commercials when she was 12 (5).

By the age of 15, Sara first started acting by appearing in TV series (6). Since then, she has appeared in various Thai soap operas before moving to the US and got cast for Hollywood productions.

15. Mookda Narinrak

Full Name: Mookda Narinrak

Known as: Mook

Career: Model/Actress/Dancer

Born: July 26, 1996

Height: 165 cm

Weight: 45 kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narinnarinrak/ (1.2M Followers)

Mookda Narinrak (better known as Mook) started her modeling career when she won the title of Miss Teen Thailand in 2011 (7). After winning the title, Mook appeared in several fashion shows and magazines and gained many fans (8). Mook is also known as a dancer because she has entered and won numerous dancing competitions, such as the famous ‘To Be Number One Idol’ in 2012 (7).

Many admire her lean and elegant dancer body, making her one of the most well-known Thai supermodels. Mook was chosen as the model for the Japanese magazine “Ray” from 2013 to 2014. She was also a professional runway model for two years in Bangkok and Tokyo (9).

Mook was signed by Thai Channel 7 in 2016 as an actress and started her acting career. She has appeared in many commercial campaigns and advertisements for famous brands (8), including Lazada Thailand and Birdy Coffee.

14. Amanda Obdam

Full Name: Amanda Chalisa Obdam

Known as: Amanda Obdam

Career: Model/Miss Universe Thailand 2020

Born: June 17, 1993

Height: 170 cm 

Weight: 55 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.obdam/ (1.4M Followers)

Born on the idyllic Phuket Island, Amanda is a Thai-Canadian beauty queen, raised by her Dutch-Canadian father and Thai-Chinese mother (10). Amanda started competing in beauty pageant competitions aged 10 when she was chosen as the “Miss Noppamas” in Phuket (11).

Since then, she has joined many beauty contests, including Miss Thailand World 2015, Miss Grand Phuket 2016, and Miss Grand Thailand 2016 (10). In 2020, Amanda won the crown for Miss Universe Thailand and reached the Top 10 during the Miss Universe competition held in Florida (12). Aside from being a beauty queen and a model, Amanda is also a certified diver, as she has earned her open water Scuba diving certification in 2006 (11).

Amanda is very vocal about her opinions; she is a strong advocator for mental health and was officially chosen as the nation’s mental health ambassador, after winning the Miss Universe Thailand title (11). However, she was fired from that position after tweeting her disapproval of the way Thai police handled the protests in Bangkok (13).

13. Nadech Kugimiya

Full Name: Chonlathit Yodprathum

Known as: Nadech

Career: Model/Actor

Born: December 17, 1991

Height: 180 cm 

Weight: 75 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kugimiyas/  (1.6M Followers)

Nadech is a Thai-Australian actor and model who is known for his roles in dramas Game Rai Game Rak (2011) and The Rising Sun Series (2014) (14). He started his modeling career when he was 17 years old and then expanded his career as an actor in 2010 (15).

Currently, he is one of the highest-paid celebrities in Thailand and has endorsed numerous well-known brands, such as Air Asia, OPPO, 7-Eleven, and many others (15). Nadech is also recognized for his acting and has won over 130 awards – including the best actor award from the Suphannahong National Film Awards, Nataraja Awards, Mekhala Awards, and TV Gold Awards (14).

Nadech is in a relationship with Urassaya Sperbund, one of the most famous Thai supermodels and actresses (included in this list.)

12. Khemanit Jamikorn (Pancake)

Full Name: Chayanit Jamikorn

Known as: Pancake, Khemnit Jamikorn

Career: Model/Actress/Singer

Born: May 27, 1988

Height: 174 cm 

Weight: Unknown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khemanito/ (2.7M Followers)

Better known by her nickname ‘Pancake,’ Khemanit Jamikorn is one of Thailand’s well-known models and actresses. Pancake started her career in the Thai entertainment industry after winning the Thai Supermodel Contest: 2004 edition.

Later that year, she won the Model of the World 2004 in China (16). When she was just seventeen years old, Pancake began her acting career in the Thai lakorn industry (17). She secured the position as one of the popular teen models and actresses by signing with the popular Channel 7 for ten years.

Since then, Pancake has appeared in several Thai soap operas and TV commercials. She has also received many awards throughout her career – including the Hua Ding Asian Artist Popularity Award held in 2012 in Beijing, as well as the title of Favorite Female Artist of the Greater China Region (16).

As for her relationship status, Pancake is currently dating her long-term boyfriend, Lt. Col. Saksunthorn Premanon, and is said to be preparing to get married soon (18).

11. Tay Tawan Vihokratana

Full Name: Tawan Vihokratana

Known as: Tay Tawan

Career: Model/Actor/Show Host

Born: July 20, 1991

Height: 177 cm 

Weight: 63 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawan_v/ (4.5M Followers)

Nicknamed ‘Tay,’ Tawan Vihokratana is well-known locally and internationally, especially among young fans. Tay started his debut in the entertainment industry as one of the hosts for the 2014 program ‘Five Live Fresh,’ alongside New Thitipoom, Off Jumpol, Gun Korawit, Pariyawit Suwittayawat, and Chayapol Bunnag (19).

He then made his debut as an actor in the series Room Alone: The Series, and became widely famous after being chosen in the list of CLEO Thailand’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors of 2014 (20). Since then, he has been signed under GMM as one of their artists (20).

Tay has also been chosen as the cover model for numerous magazines and has released some songs. Tay loves traveling and has his own traveling program named ‘Traveling fest with Tay Tawan’ (19). He also loves photography and played drums during his university days.

Apart from being an actor and a model, Tay is a co-owner of a clothing and accessory brand named ‘No.Grass.Type’, a Japanese food delivery business called ‘Salmon-San,’ and a spa named ‘Bamboo Secrets’ (20).

10. Nittha Jirayungyurn (Mew)

Full Name: Nittha Jirayungyurn

Known as: Mew

Career: Model/Actress

Born: September 21, 1990

Height: 160 cm

Weight: 43 kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mewnittha/ (4.5M Followers)

Mew is another actress on this list who is signed under Channel 3 Thailand (21). Mew first made her debut in 2013, as ‘Than Ying Wanrasa’ or ‘Ying Taew’ in the drama Khun Chai Pawornruj, and was paired with Tanawat Wattanaputi (22).

Before joining the entertainment industry, Mew attended the Srinakharinwirot University, where she graduated with a major in Fashion Design (21). As a model, Mew has appeared in many commercials, such as the AIS telecom, Huawei, and Cute Press (22). In 2016, Mew acted in her first movie called ‘One Day,’ where she was paired with Chantavit Dhanasevi (21). Mew recently gave birth to a baby girl in 2021, after getting married to her boyfriend in 2019. 

9. Chalida Wijitvongtong (Mint)

Full Name: Chalida Vijitvongtong

Known as: Mint

Career: Model/Actress

Born: August 8, 1993

Height: 168 cm 

Weight: 57 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mint_chalida/ (4.9M Followers)

Chalida Vijitvongtong (better known as Mint Chalida), is also a model turned actress. She started her career as a model and appeared in TV commercials (23). Since then, Mint has continually got cast in various works as supporting characters. Her first acting breakthrough was when she got cast for one of the leading roles in the drama ‘4 Hua Jai Hang Khun Khao’, together with the then-rookie actor Prin Suparat (Mark Prin). They gained a huge fanbase together (23).

Thanks to the popularity she received from that drama, Mint became more well known in Thailand. Mint has since acted alongside many other popular actors and actresses, including Urassaya Sperbund, and Mario Maurer (23). Mint is also known as a fitness freak and has a curvy, seductive figure admired by many fans (23) – proven by her 4.9M followers on Instagram.

8. Prin Suparat (Mark)

Full Name: Prin Suparat

Known as: Mark Prin

Career: Model/Actor

Born: March 19, 1990

Height: 180 cm 

Weight: 64 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark_prin/ (6.7M Followers)

Born in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Mark Prin was a Judo athlete before becoming a well-known celebrity. He was part of Rangsit University’s Judo team and became a black-belt holder (24). Mark entered the entertainment industry after getting scouted by a manager working for Channel 3 (24).

After gaining popularity by acting alongside Mint Chalida in the drama ‘4 Hua Jai Hang Khun Khao’, Mark was cast for the lead role in the drama ‘Ab Ruk Online’ and acted as a couple together with Kimberly Anne Woltemas (25). The couple received a lot of love for their roles, and after that, they started dating in real life too – making them one of the nation’s most loved couples (25).

Recently, Mark was chosen as the cover model for Harper’s BAZAAR MEN Thailand Magazine‘s Fall Winter 2021 edition, proving his status as one of the top models in Thailand (26).

7. Mario Muarer

Full Name: Nattawut Suwannarat

Known as: Mario Muarer, Oh

Career: Model/Actor

Born: December 4, 1988

Height: 180 cm 

Weight: 72 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mario_mm38/ (7.7M Followers)

This Thai-Chinese and German descent actor was born in Bangkok. He started as a model before becoming one of the most well-known actors among Thai movie fans. Mario was first scouted at Siam Square when he was only 16 years old (27).

He started modeling and appeared in music videos and commercials during the early years of his career. In 2007, he was cast as one of the main characters for the film ‘The Love of Siam’, where he acted as a gay character named ‘Tong’ (27). This role made him instantly famous, as the movie became a hit. Mario also received many positive reviews from critics. He won several awards at the film festivals – including the Best Actor award at the ‘Starpics Thai Films Award’ for this role.

In 2010, Mario gained more fans, especially overseas, for his role in the popular romantic-comedy movie ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love.’ This movie has received a lot of love from both local and international fans, and both Mario and his co-star Baifern became superstars. But this was not the peak of Mario’s career.

His fame went to the next level when he was cast as the lead actor for the comedy-horror movie ‘Pee Mak,’ which became the highest-grossing in Thailand of all time (28). Mario is an actor that every Thai movie fan knows thanks to these movies, both in Thailand and worldwide. Mario also appeared as a model for many internationally well-known brands, such as Gatsby, Pond’s, Pepsi, etc. (27).

6. Metawin Opas-iamkajorn (Win)

Full Name: Metawin Opas-iamkajorn

Known as: Win Metawin, Win

Career: Model/Actor

Born: February 21, 1999

Height: 85 cm 

Weight: 70 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winmetawin/ (8.1M Followers)

Known as Win (or Win Metawin,) this young model/actor is currently one of Thailand’s hottest celebrities. Win is a Thai-Chinese born in Bangkok and only started his acting career in 2020. Win entered the entertainment industry when he was a trainee actor for about one year, under ONE31. He then moved to GMMTV for an actor contract and debuted there (29).

His debut project was the top-rated BL TV series called ‘2gether’, produced and aired by GMMTV (29). This series brought instant fame to both male leads of the drama, Win and Bright, who acted as characters ‘Tine’ and ‘Sarawat’ respectively.

Currently, Win is starring as one of the F4 members in the highly anticipated Thai-remake version of the popular drama series ‘Boys Over Flower,’ alongside his 2gether co-star Bright Vachirawit Tontawan Tantivejakul, Jirawat Sutivanichsak, and Hirunkit Changkham. Win was also chosen as one of the most handsome faces in the world by TC Candler for 2021, ranking at 57^th place (30).

5. Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul (Baifern)

Full Name: Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul 

Known as: Baifern

Career: Model/Actress

Born: September 30, 1992

Height: 165 cm 

Weight: 52 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baifernbah/ (9.5M Followers)

Baifern is extremely popular, both locally and internationally, thanks to her movies and commercials. This Thai-Chinese beauty first appeared in a commercial when she was just a 6th-grade student (31).  After that, she signed a contract with Channel 7 Thailand for six years, from 2010 to 2016.

In 2010, Baifern rose to fame as her movie with Mario Maurer, ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love,’ became a hit (31). Baifern was 18 years old when she was cast in this movie for the role of ‘Nam’; an ugly duckling turned into a beautiful swan. She was loved by many as her character was sympathized with by many young girls, and Baifern also won the Best Rising Actress award for her role (32).

After her contract with Channel 7 ended, Baifern became a freelance actress and acted in several dramas and movies. In 2019, Baifern starred in the popular romantic-comedy movie – ‘Friendzone’ and gained more recognition overseas. Thai media called her the ‘the queen of commercials’ as she was chosen as the brand ambassador for a total of 30 brands in the year 2020, and still endorsing many brands currently as well (33).

If you visit Thailand, the chances are that you will see one of Baifern’s advertisement billboards and commercials as she is endorsing popular brands like J&T Express, TRUE telecom, Vivo, Nescafe.

4. Vachirawit Chivaaree (Bright)

Full Name: Vachirawit Chivaaree

Known as: Bright, Bright Vachirawit

Career: Model/Actor/Singer/Host

Born: December 27, 1997

Height: 183 cm 

Weight: 73 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbrightvc/ (9.9M Followers)

Bright Vachirawit (or Bright), is another rising superstar in Thailand. Born to a family of mixed races, Bright is a Thai-Chinese-American, which makes his looks standout among the other models and actors. At the age of 15, Bright entered the showbiz industry as one of the hosts for the variety show named ‘Strawberry Krubcake’ in 2013 and continued in this role for three years (34).

Then, in 2016, he first made his acting debut in the film ‘Love Say Hey.’ Later in 2018, he was selected for GMM25 New Face 2018 (35). Bright became popular when he was cast for the role of the younger version of the lead actor, Sunny Suwanmethanont, in the popular drama ‘My Ambulance’ (35).

In 2020, Bright starred (and rose to fame) in the BL drama ‘2gether: The Series’ as the lead character, Sarawat. As the series became very popular, both in Thailand and worldwide, Bright gained a large fanbase, together with his co-star Win Metawin.

Since then, Bright has been considered one of the most popular stars in Thailand. He’s been chosen as the model for many brands. In 2021, Bright was chosen as the lead character for the Thai remake version of the popular drama ‘Boys Over Flowers’ (35). He was also chosen as one of the 2021’s most handsome faces in the world by TC Candler, ranking at no.67 (30).

3. Araya Hargate (Chompoo)

Full Name: Araya Alberta Hargate 

Known as: Chompoo Araya

Career: Model/Actress/Host/Business Owner

Born: June 28, 1981

Height: 170 cm 

Weight: 57 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chomismaterialgirl/ (10.6M Followers)

One would not assume Chompoo (or Araya) to be 40 years old. But in fact, she was born in 1981 and is a mother of 3. This youthful-looking, Thai-British star has been in the entertainment industry since 17 years old. Araya was discovered at the Misens Motor Show Contest and became famous after that (36). She has starred in several Thai soap operas and films, and some of her best-known works include I Love You Two, Tootsies & the Fake, and Crazy Crying Lady (37).

Her fans know Araya as ‘Chompoo,’ which means ‘Pink’ in the Thai language – her favorite color (36). Her high cheekbones and sultry eyes are her trademarks, and are often chosen as one of the hottest actresses in Thailand (38).

She is also known for her fit body. She once said that she hits the gym regularly and does Yoga to keep her body in perfect shape (39). Araya is also hailed as a ‘high fashion queen’ and a ‘fashionista’ (38). She is chosen to endorse top brands like Adidas and is an ambassador for the iconic beauty brand, L’Oreal Paris. Chompoo has appeared in commercial campaigns for brands like Lux, Downy, and Mistine (39).

2. Urassaya Sperbund (Yaya)

Full Name: Urassaya Sperbund

Known as: Yaya

Career: Model/Actress

Born: March 18, 1993

Height: 170 cm 

Weight: 57 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urassayas/ (11.1M Followers)

Yaya is a Thai-Norwegian beauty known as the “Queen of Presenter” in Thailand as she appeared in more than 30 commercials (38). Before becoming an actress, Yaya could only speak 30% of the Thai language, as most of her friends are American, and she spent her childhood attending an international school.

Only after signing a contract with the famous Channel 3 in Thailand did Yaya start to learn the Thai language with a personal coach (40). Yaya first entered the entertainment industry in 2008, but she didn’t gain popularity immediately. She only shot to fame in 2010 after starring in the drama Duang Jai Akkanee as a daring and fearless character named  “Jeed” (40).

Together with her co-star Nadech, who later became her boyfriend in real life, they have gained an enormous fanbase and became the most popular couple in Thailand. In 2019, the two confirmed their relationship in real life. Yaya also gained international fame when she was cast for the lead role in the romantic-comedy movie ‘Brother Of The Year’ with Sunny Suwanmethanont and Thai Kpop Idol, Nichkhun (41).

To this day, Yaya is regarded as an iconic actress and a perfect role model due to her acting skills, adorable physique, and her prim and proper image. She has proven to be a beauty with the brain, as she graduated with her BA while maintaining a 3.3 GPA at Thailand’s no.1 university, Chulalongkorn (40).

With her high cheekbones and lean physiques, Yaya also models for famous magazines such as Elle, Seventeen, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue. In fact, Yaya is the first Thai celebrity to be featured in US Vogue magazine and is the first Thai actress to receive the title ‘friend of Louis Vuitton’ (41). Yaya endorsed popular brands such as Pantene, Uniqlo, Maybelline and also appeared in the commercial campaigns of OPPO Thailand, Louis Vuitton, Nivea, Cute Press, and so on – proving her status as one of Thailand’s supermodels (41). 

1. Davika Hoorne

Full Name: Davika Hoorne

Known as: Davika, Mai, Mai Davika

Career: Model/Actress/Business Owner

Born: May 16, 1992

Height: 173 cm 

Weight: 52 kg 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davikah/ (15.2M Followers)

Finally, drum roll, please… At no.1 in our list of Thailand’s most famous and sexiest top models, is none other than Davika Hoorne or Mai Davika. With a whopping 15.2M followers on her Instagram account, Davika is the most sought out actress. She has always been chosen as a cult favorite amongst stylists, makeup artists, magazine publishers, and brands – both locally and internationally (42).

Davika is known for her Barbie doll-like figure and exotic beauty that she inherited from being a Thai-Belgium mixed person. She entered the showbiz scene when she was 14 by appearing in various commercials. After catching the attention of the famous manager A Supachai, she was signed by Channel 7 and made her debut in the Thai soap opera named ‘Ngao Kammathep (43).

In 2013, her popularity rose after staring in the remake version of the drama ‘Tawan Tor Saeng.’ Since then, her career has constantly been on the rise (43). Also, in 2013, she acted for the lead role of Thailand’s highest-grossing film, Pee Mak, and became the most famous Thai actress. Davika is a Thai supermodel renowned for her seductive eyes and sexy body figure. She joined the New York Fashion Week in 2017 for Michael Kors, and in 2018, Davika represented Thailand at Paris Fashion Week, walking the runway in the process (44).

She was also dubbed as the most compelling newcomer by Vogue at 2018’s Milan Fashion Week, proving that she is at the top when it comes to modeling (45). Davika is also a fashion inspiration to many, worked with many fashion and beauty brands (46), and was also a spokesperson for L’Oreal Paris (44). Davika is undoubtedly the no.1 top model in Thailand, be it for fame, beauty, or career success!

Conclusion

There you have it! From how tall one needs to be a model in Thailand and an explanation of different types of Thai models, to the list of top celebrity models in Thailand and their facts – this article is your ultimate guide of the model scene in Thailand.

And aside from the supermodels that made the list, keep an eye out for new and rising Thai models, such as Jan Baiboon, who is the only Thai model to walk the runway for Chanel’s SS22 show (47). And the Kpop fangirl and future dentist Tu Tontawan Tantivejakul, who is currently starring as the female lead character in the Thai remake of ‘Boys Over Flower’ drama series (48).

All in all, the Thai model industry, for sure, is well worth keeping track of for all the fashion and showbiz enthusiasts out there.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

References

1. Steveromagnino. Modelling In Bangkok. Asean Now. [Online] January 24, 2006. https://aseannow.com/topic/55508-modelling-in-bangkok/?do=findComment&comment=621080/.

2. Wikipedia. The Face Men Thailand (Season 1). Wikipedia. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Face_Men_Thailand_(season_1)/.

3. Cocaine Models. Models In Thailand, Bangkok. Cocaine Models. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://cocainemodels.com/asia/thailand/.

4. Kamolvattanavith, Teirra. Pretty Girls Taking Risks: Inside The World Of Thailand’s Models For Hire. Coconuts Bangkok. [Online] September 25, 2019. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/features/pretty-girls-taking-risks-inside-the-world-of-thailands-models-for-hire/.

5. Wiki Project. Who Is Sara Malakul Lane? Net Worth, Age, Wikipedia, Family, Biography. Wiki Project. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://wiki.projecttopics.org/bio/58459-who-is-sara-malakul-lane-net-worth-age-wikipedia-family-biography.html/.

6. Healthy Celeb. Sara Malakul Lane Height, Weight, Age, Body Statistics. Healthy Celeb. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://healthyceleb.com/sara-malakul-lane/.

7. M., Charlie. 20+ Most Beautiful Thai Women. International Love Scout. [Online] April 30, 2021. https://www.internationallovescout.com/women-of-the-world/20-most-beautiful-thai-women/.

8. Info Famous People. Mookda Narinrak – Bio, Age, height, Wiki, Facts and Family. Info Famous People. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://infofamouspeople.com/famous/mookda-narinrak.html/.

9. ShareRice Wiki. Mookda Narinrak. ShareRice Wiki. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://sharerice.com/Mookda_Narinrak/.

10. Altatis, Conan. Amanda Obdam Biography: 13 Things About Miss Universe Thailand 2020. CONAN Daily. [Online] May 16, 2021. https://conandaily.com/2021/05/16/amanda-obdam-biography-13-things-about-miss-universe-thailand-2020/.

11. Issarasena, Prowd. 11 Fun Facts About Amanda, Thailand’s Sixth Consecutive Miss Universe Rep To Crack The Top 10. The Smart Local. [Online] May 17, 2021. https://thesmartlocal.com/thailand/miss-universe-thailand-amanda-obdam/.

12. Thai PBS World. Wowing Miss Universe fans, Thailand’s Amanda Obdam reaches Top 10. Thai PBS World. [Online] May 17, 2021. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/wowing-miss-universe-fans-thailands-amanda-obdam-reaches-top-10/.

13. Wipatayotin, Apinya. Beauty Queen Sacked As Mental Health Ambassador. Bangkok Post. [Online] March 2, 2021. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2076975/beauty-queen-sacked-as-mental-health-ambassador/.

14. Celebs Update. Nadech Kugimiya Biography, Wiki, Family, Education, Career, Movies, TV Shows, Net Worth, Awards & Wife. Celebs Update. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://celebsupdate.com/nadech-kugimiya-age-height-wife-biography-wiki-sister-net-worth/.

15. Drama Wiki. Nadech Kugimiya. Drama Wiki. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://drama.fandom.com/wiki/Nadech_Kugimiya/.

16. My Drama List. Pancake Khemanit Jamikorn. My Drama List. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/7345-jamikorn-khemanit/.

17. Celebs Age Wiki. Khemanit Jamikorn. Celebs Age Wiki. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://www.celebsagewiki.com/khemanit-jamikorn/.

18. News Directory 3. Prepare To Be Single! “Pancake – Inspector Bear” Finds Auspicious Time To Decorate : PPTVHD36. News Directory 3. [Online] October 1, 2021. https://www.newsdirectory3.com/prepare-to-be-single-pancake-inspector-bear-finds-auspicious-time-to-decorate-pptvhd36/.

19. ShareRice Wiki. Tay Tawan Vihokratana. ShareRice Wiki. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://sharerice.com/Tay_Tawan_Vihokratana/.

20. My Drama List. Tay Tawan Vihokratana. My Drama List. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/14100-vihokratana-tawan/.

21. My Drama List. Mew Nittha Jirayungyurn. My Drama List. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/7467-nittha-jirayungyurn/.

22. ShareRice Wiki. Mew Nittha Jirayungyurn. ShareRice Wiki. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://sharerice.com/Mew_Nittha_Jirayungyurn/.

23. Starsgab. Chalida Vijitvongthong (Actress) Bio, Wiki, Boyfriend, Age, Height, Weight, Net Worth, Career, Facts. Starsgab. [Online] May 20, 2020. https://starsgab.com/chalida-vijitvongthong-biography/.

24. Celebsupdate. Mark Prin Age, Biography, Wiki, Family, Education, Career, Movies, TV Shows, Awards, Net Worth & Girlfriends. Celebsupdate. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://celebsupdate.com/mark-prin-age-height-biography-parents-sister-net-worth-girlfriends/.

25. My Drama List. Mark Prin Suparat. My Drama List. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/7122-suparat-prin/.

26. MMScene Magazine. Mark Prin Covers Harper’s Bazaar Men Thailand Fall Winter 2021 Issue. MMScene Magazine. [Online] October 19, 2021. https://www.malemodelscene.net/editorial/mark-prin-bazaar-men-thailand/.

27. ShareRice Wiki. Mario Muarer. ShareRice Wiki. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://sharerice.com/Mario_Muarer/.

28. The Famous People. Mario Maurer Biography. The Famous People. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/mario-maurer-35170.php/.

29. My Drama List. Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn. My Drama List. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/30005-win-metawin-opas-iamkajorn/.

30. Chinnuswamy, Yamini. South-east Asia Well Represented In Ranking Of World’s Most Beautiful. The Strait Times. [Online] December 29, 2021. https://www.straitstimes.com/life/style/south-east-asia-well-represented-in-ranking-of-worlds-most-beautiful/.

31. My Drama List. Baifern Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul. My Drama List. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/7172-luevisadpaibul-pimchanok/.

32. Drama Wiki. Baifern Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul . Drama Wiki. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://drama.fandom.com/wiki/Baifern_Pimchanok_Luevisadpaibul/.

33. Thai Update. Baifern Pimchanok Becomes Another Queen Of Commercials In The Entertainment Industry. Thai Update. [Online] November 30, 2020. https://www.thaiupdate.info/baifern-queen-commercial/.

34. Nikko Tuazon. 10 Things You Need To Know About Thai-American Internet Heartthrob Bright Vachirawit. Cosmopolitan. [Online] April 4, 2020. https://www.cosmo.ph/entertainment/thai-american-bright-vachirawit-sa721-20200404-src-pep/.

35. Boys Over Flower Wiki. Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree. Boys Over Flower Wiki. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://boysoverflowers.fandom.com/wiki/Vachirawit_Chivaaree/.

36. Sirinya. ‘Chompoo’ Araya Hargate- Thai-British Actress. Sirinya’s Thailand. [Online] March 27, 2016. https://www.sirinyas-thailand.de/2016/03/27/chompoo-araya-hargate-thai-british-actress/.

37. IMDb. Araya A. Hargate. IMDb. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5578876/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm/.

38. Sveni. Thai Actresses: Top 15 Hottest Actress in Thailand 2022. Styles At Life. [Online] January 3, 2022. https://stylesatlife.com/articles/thai-actresses-names-and-photos/.

39. Healthy Celeb. Araya Hargate Height, Weight, Age, Body Statistics. Healthy Celeb. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://healthyceleb.com/araya-hargate/.

40. My Drama List. Yaya Urassaya Sperbund. My Drama List. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/7123-sperbund-urassaya/.

41. Healthy Celeb. Urassaya Sperbund Height, Weight, Age, Body Statistics. Healthy Celeb. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://healthyceleb.com/urassaya-sperbund/.

42. My Drama List. Mai Davika Hoorne. My Drama List. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/7157-horne-davika/.

43. ShareRice Wiki. Mai Davika Hoorne. ShareRice Wiki. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://sharerice.com/Mai_Davika_Hoorne/.

44. Starsgab. Davika Hoorne (Actress) Bio, Wiki, Boyfriend, Age, Height, Weight, Net Worth, Career, Facts. Starsgab. [Online] May 21, 2020. https://starsgab.com/davika-hoorne-biography/.

45. Okwodu, Janelle. This Thai Actress Was Milan Fashion Week’s Most Compelling Newcomer. Vogue. [Online] September 24, 2018. https://www.vogue.com/article/davika-hoorne-thai-actress-standout-beauty-milan-fashion-week/.

46. Lifestyle Asia. LSA Style Anatomy: 5 Style Cues To Take From Mai Davika. Lifestyle Asia. [Online] August 11, 2021. https://www.lifestyleasia.com/bk/style/fashion/lsa-style-anatomy-mai-davika/.

47. Vattanapoon, Karatpetch. Who Is Jan Baiboon, The Only Thai Model On Chanel’s SS22 Runway? Lifestyle Asia. [Online] October 8, 2021. https://www.lifestyleasia.com/bk/style/fashion/who-is-jan-baiboon-the-only-thai-model-on-chanels-ss22-runway/.

48. My Drama List. Tu Tontawan Tantivejakul. My Drama List. [Online] [Cited: January 20, 2022.] https://mydramalist.com/people/50873-tu-tontawan-tantivejakul.

The post 16 Hottest Male & Female Thai Models Seen on Instagram appeared first on ThaiGuider.

One even got chosen in the list of 100 Most Beautiful Faces in the World for 2014, and more often than not, they usually are famous social media stars. And as a country that is known for being tolerant towards the LGBTQ+ community, ladyboys are more visible in Thai society than in other Asian countries.

Many ladyboys in Thailand work in occupations usually predominated by females, such as beauty salons, hotel front desks, and restaurants. Many also work in the entertainment industry as social media influencers, models, actresses, and cabarets or the famous “Tiffany Show” performers.

As society has become more open-minded, the interest in ladyboys has increased. Here’s a list of the Top 10 Asian Ladyboys who have shot to fame for being the sexiest and most beautiful.

10. Jess Labares

Nationality: Filipinos

Age: 28 Years Old

Profession: Flight Attendant, Model, Beauty Pageant 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesslabares/

Jess is a transgender model and also the first transwoman to become a flight attendant for Cebu Pacific Airline in the Philippines. Jess is often described as a ‘sunshine’ due to her warm and contagious smile.

After graduating with a degree in Physical Therapy, Jess started working at a call center, and that was when she decided to join the beauty pageants. In 2017, she was placed at 7^th place for Queen Philippines Pageant. Then in 2019, she won the title of Queen Universe Philippines, securing her career as a beauty queen.

Despite her beauty pageant career going well, Jess continued to pursue her childhood dream of being a flight attendant, and she was able to achieve that dream in 2019 by being a part of the Cebu Pacific crew (25).

In 2020, Jess participated in Miss International Queen Competition. She ranked within the Top 6 finalists and also won the title of Miss Photogenic award (26). According to her Instagram profile, Jess is happily engaged to her partner.

9. Pemika ‘Pynk’ Ditsayamethanont

Nationality: Thai

Age: 28 Years Old

Profession: Model, Beauty Pageant 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pynk_pemika/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pynk.molly

Pemika or Pynk is a famous Instagram model and a social media star from Thailand. Her Instagram account has more than 60.1K followers, and her Facebook account also has nearly 100,000 followers.

Pynk is known for her doll-like face and sexy figure. With fair skin, a sexy body figure, and innocent-looking facial features, many people say that Pynk looks like a Japanese anime character (20). 

Pynk studied at Bangkok University and majored in Communication Arts. After getting her surgeries, Pynk first gained the spotlight when she was chosen as the spokesperson for a surgery hospital in South Korea. Pynk was also a contest for the Miss Tiffany Universe competition in 2018 (21).

8. Nathachat “Hana” Chanchiew

Nationality: Thai

Age: 30 Years Old

Profession: Model

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanashac/

Nathachat or Hana, as known by her nickname, is a famous transgender model, and she also participated in ‘The Face Thailand Season 3’ alongside Lady Blossom.

Hana rose to her fame during the competition, and although she didn’t win the title, she had been fans’ favorite ever since the audition rounds. And like others on this list, Hana also competed in Miss Tiffany’s Universe competition and was one of the top 10 contestants in the 2015 competition (15).

Hana is known for her toned, sexy body and tanned skin, making her one of the sexiest models in Thailand. Hana was a model for brands like Maybelline and appeared in the publications like Lips Magazine (16). 

Currently, her Instagram account has over 144k followers. She is also known as one of the most successful and richest models in Thailand, with an estimated net worth of $1-5 Million. As for her private life, Hana has graduated from the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University in 2014 with a degree in hotel business management (17).

7. Jiratchaya “Mo” Sirimongkolnawin

Nationality: Thai

Age: 30 Years Old

Profession: Model, Beauty Pageant, Management Agency Director

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mojiratchayaa/

Jiratchaya was chosen as the beauty queen for Miss Tiffany Universe 2016 and the winner of Miss International Queen 2016 (10). Mo likes to play sports and has the perfect figure of a model.

She is known for her stunning looks, with her height and aura that is hard to miss even in a crowded room. As a child, Mo faced difficulties as she had to hide her ‘feminine side from her family.

Eventually, her family accepted her for who she was. Her father actually paid for the registration fees of the beauty pageant competition, where she won the crown (11).

Jiratchaya was chosen as the ambassador for the “I For TG Women program,” Thailand’s official transwomen’s health intervention initiative. She is supported by the Thai Red Cross Society and the Italian Red Cross (11).

Jiratchaya has also appeared in a commercial campaign for L’Oreal with actress Araya Hargate and 2015’s Miss Universe Thailand Aniporn Chalermburanawong. Currently, Jiratchaya is active as a blogger and being a “boss lady.” She is the director of Feline Agency, a talent management agency for diverse talent models and influencers.

6. Ling Piyada Inthavong

Nationality: Laos

Age: 29 Years Old

Profession: Model, Beauty Pageant

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lingpiyadar/

Known as her nickname ‘Ling Ling’, Piyada Inthavong is a Laos transgender model and celebrity. She first gained public attention during the 2014 Miss International Queen Competition, where she ranked as the 2^nd runner up among the top 3 finalists.

Ever since she was a child, Ling wanted to become a girl and was “embarrassed to dress as a man.” After her trip to Thailand, Ling was inspired by the ladyboys in Thailand that she asked permission from her family to let her undergo surgery.

At the age of 19, Ling completed her sex reassignment surgery and moved to Thailand to begin her career as a model (18). After becoming the 2^nd runner-up in the famous Miss International Queen contest, Ling also appeared as a contestant for a Thai TV program called “The Casting Project Thailand Season 2” in 2015 (19).

Ling is currently a model and also posting vlogs on her youtube channel – “LOOK LIKE LING หลิงหลิง” and her Instagram account has over 262K followers. Ling is also a model for many brands in Thailand and is active as a catwalk model in many events.

5. Lady Blossom

Nationality: Thai

Age: 25 Years Old

Profession: Model, Idol, Actress, Clothing Brand Owner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyblossom/

Her real name is Chananchida Roongpetchrat, and she is currently active on social media and the entertainment industry with her nickname ‘Lady Blossom.’

Lady Blossom is known for her doll-like figure and slim body, with her height being around 175cm (12) at 51kg body weight. Lady Blossom was also a runner-up at Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2013 (13) and appeared on a model competition called ‘The Face Thailand Season 3’, where she ranked 10^th  (14).

During the ‘The Face Thailand’ competition, she was one of the fans’ favorites, together with other ladyboy models such as Nathachat “Hana” Chancheaw, who ranked at 9^th place (15). Lady Blossom also starred in online miniseries called “AOi The Series” in 2016.

She is also a fan of makeup and sometimes uploads makeup tutorials on her Youtube channel and Instagram account. And like many other social media stars, Lady Blossom often promotes makeup and skincare brands on her Instagram account and has over 278K followers.

She also owns a clothing line named ‘No More Innocence.’  In 2021, Lady Blossom became a girl group member of a 5-member project group called ‘2021 Ratri’, alongside Milli, Gam Wichayanee, Waii, and Jingjing Yu (14). Her position in the group is sub-vocalist, and the group has released a music video in March 2021.

4. Millen Cyrus

Nationality: Indonesia

Age: 25 Years Old

Profession: Model, Beauty Pageant 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millencyrus/

Millen is an openly transgender Insta-celebrity from Indonesia. Her Instagram account has over 1.2 million followers, and her youtube video about her experience as a transwoman also gained over 6 million viewers. Millen has caused a lot of buzz in her country for many reasons.

Most significantly, Indonesia is a Muslim country and not as accepting of the LGBTQ+ community as Thailand. Millen being a transwoman had caused controversies. Millen’s aunty, Ashanty, is also a famous celebrity in Indonesia (22), making her gain a lot of attention from the start.

Millen is perhaps the only one on this list who had not undergone complete sex reassignment surgery, although she had had implant surgeries, making her look voluptuous and sexy. She has also expressed that she does not wish to remove her male reproductive organ parts now (23). 

Last year, Millen was arrested as a suspect for a drug case, and when the police put her in the male detention center, people were outraged and demanded the police department respect her. As a result, she was later moved to a special cell (24). This year, Millen is chosen as Miss Queen Indonesia 2021. 

3. Rinrada ‘Yoshi’ Thurapan

Nationality: Thai

Age: 24 Years Old

Profession: Actress, Model, Beauty Pageant 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshirinrada/

Yoshi is known for her pretty feminine appearance and is famous not only in Thailand but in Asia too. Winner of Miss Tiffany Universe 2017, Yoshi also represented Thailand in Miss International Queen Competition and ranked as the 2^nd runner for 2018.

Yoshi was a student at Bangkok University, majoring in Communication Arts. Yoshi started working as a model and actress ever since she was a teenager and by the age of 18, she had already secured her position as a high-profile endorser of Thai cosmetic brands (5).

During her interview video for Miss International Queen, Yoshi said that while it was hard for her to transition into a beauty pageant from a teen actress, the process was like a makeover for her. She also said that she enjoys being an entertainer as that allows her to do what she enjoys and gain social acceptance (6). 

In 2019, Yoshi was in the headlines when a fellow guest star, DJ Plakung, made inappropriate jokes toward her during a TV show they both appeared in. Many defended Yoshi, and later, DJ Plakung made a public apology to Yoshi and Yoshi said that she forgave him for the incident (7), showing that even famous stars like Yoshi still face difficulties for being a transwoman.

Despite these hardships, Yoshi is still going strong. Her Instagram account has 1.5 million followers, and she has also starred in music videos and television programs in Thailand.

2. Nguyen Huong Giang

Nationality: Vietnam

Age: 29 Years Old

Profession: Singer, Model

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huoggiangggg/

Nguyen Huong Giang has almost 4M followers on Instagram and is one of Asia’s sexiest and most famous ladyboys. She first made headlines in 2012 when she openly admitted to being transgender on the reality show Vietnam Idol (8).

She had gained so much attention and empathy during that program and continued to become active in the entertainment industry. Although having no prior experience in beauty pageant competitions, Nguyen Huong Giang won Miss International Queen Competition in 2018.

She became the first-ever Vietnamese contestant to win in this internationally famous prestige beauty competition held in Pattaya. She then continued to become a TV star and a singer in Vietnam. Nguyen also won The Amazing Race Vietnam Season 3.

Her Facebook account also has over 529k followers, proving her status as one of the most famous celebrities in the country (9).

Despite being so famous now, Nguyen faced a lot of hardships before, as many other members of the LGBTQ+ community had. Nguyen had her sex reassignment surgery in Thailand almost 10 years before winning the crown as a beauty pageant. At that time, she avoided her father as he was not accepting of her sexuality. However, she eventually gained support from her family.

Nguyen is also committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Vietnam, as Vietnam is not as accepting as Thailand when it comes to such issues. She founded Miss International Queen Vietnam to help promote awareness and acceptance towards the LGBTQ+ community in Vietnam and said that she hoped “everybody to give transgender people a chance so they can be stronger” (9).

1. Treechada ‘Poyd’ Petcharat

Nationality: Thai

Age: 29 Years Old

Profession: Actress, Model, Beauty Pageant 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poydtreechada/

And, number 1 in the list is none other than Treechada ‘Poyd’ Petcharat, perhaps the most famous and successful ladyboy in Thailand. Poyd, as most know by her nickname, is perhaps the most famous ladyboy in Thailand. She has 2.5 million followers on her Instagram account and is also working as a model and actress.

Poyd had had her sexual reassignment surgery when she was only 17 years old (2). Back then, she didn’t receive much support from her family. Despite that, she entered the famous Miss Tiffany Universe, the annual beauty pageant competition held in Pattaya, in 2004 and won the crown at the age of 19.

She represented Thailand in the Miss International Queen 2014 competition and won the competition again, becoming the talk of the nation (3). Since then, she has started her career in the entertainment industry and become the brand ambassador for many brands in Thailand.

In 2014, she signed with a Hongkong agency and starred in many action movies from Hongkong and mainland China. She has been in several films, both in local and international ones, and received good responses for the movie called “The White Storm,” in which she acted alongside Louis Koo. 

Poyd is also very well known for her pretty features and is the only ladyboy to be included on the TC Candler’s annual list of 100 women with the most beautiful faces in the world for 2014. Poyd ranked 73^rd and was the only representative to be chosen from Thailand (4).

Poyd also holds degrees in mass communication and cosmetic technology from Suan Dusit University and North Chiang Mai University respectively, proving that she is not just another pretty face in the industry (3).

Since the beginning of her career, Poyd has been actively advocating for transwomen and LGBTQ rights. Many ladyboys in Thailand choose Poyd as their role model.

Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.

References

1. Hasa. Difference Between Ladyboy And Shemale. Pediaa. [Online] January 10, 2017. https://pediaa.com/difference-between-ladyboy-and-shemale/.

2. Fierce Publishing. Treechada Petcharat. Fierce Publishing. [Online] 2021. http://2-mag.com/site/profile/2015/POYD+TREECHADA–PETCHARAT.

3. Kamol Hospital. Inspirational Stories. Kamol Hospital. [Online] July 09, 2020. https://www.kamolhospital.com/en/read-BecomingYourRealSelf/Becoming-Your-Real-Self-Poy/.

4. Coconuts Bangkok. ‘Poyd Treechada’ Named World’s 73rd Most Beautiful Face. Coconuts. [Online] December 30, 2014. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/lifestyle/poyd-treechada-named-worlds-73rd-most-beautiful-face/.

5. Kamol Hospital. Our Thankful Clients. Kamol Hospital. [Online] July 09, 2020. https://www.kamolhospital.com/es/detail-testimonial/Yoshi/.

6. Thurapan, Rinrada. No.23 Rinrada Thurapan | Thailand | MIQ2018. No.23 Rinrada Thurapan | Thailand | MIQ2018. s.l. : Miss International Queen, January 23, 2018.

7. Melalin Mahavongtrakul. Of Loss and Triumph. Bangkok Post. [Online] October 28, 2019. https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1781304/of-loss-and-triumph.

8. Hanh Vu. Meet Trans Beauty Queen Nguyen Huong Giang, First Vietnamese Miss International Queen Winner And An Outspoken Advocate For LGBT Rights. SCMP. [Online] August 9, 2021. https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3144380/meet-trans-beauty-queen-nguyen-huong-giang-first.

9. Patipat Janthong. Bringing Home Tolerance. Bangkok Post. [Online] March 17, 2018. https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1429867/bringing-home-tolerance.

10. THE SUNDAY NATION PATTAYA. ‘Mo’ Wins Big Transgender Pageant In Pattaya. The National Thailand. [Online] March 11, 2017. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/30308711.

11. Melalin Mahavongtrakul. Busting Stereotypes. Bangkok Post. [Online] July 22, 2017. https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1291959/busting-stereotypes.

12. Wikipedia. The Face Thailand (season 3). Wikipedia. [Online] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Face_Thailand_(season_3).

13. T-Pop Wiki. Lady Blossom. T-Pop Wiki. [Online] https://tpop.fandom.com/wiki/Lady_Blossom.

14. Jack Sean. Lady Blossom (2021 Ratri Member) Age, Bio, Wiki, Facts & More. Kpop Members Bio. [Online] May 23, 2021. https://kpopmembersbio.com/lady-blossom-2021-ratri-member-age-bio-wiki-facts-more/.

15. Coconuts Bangkok. Trans Beauties: Internet Cheers On These Hot Trans Models To Win The Face Thailand. Coconuts. [Online] August 23, 2016. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/lifestyle/trans-beauties-internet-cheers-these-hot-trans-models-win-face-thailand/.

16. Famous Birhtdays. Natachat Chanchiew. Famous Birthdays. [Online] https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/natachat-chanchiew.html.

17. USA Celebrities. Natachat Chanchiew. USA Celebrities. [Online] https://www.usacelebrities.net/model/natachat-chanchiew/.

18. Wikipedia. Piyada Inthavong. Wikipedia. [Online] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piyada_Inthavong.

19. Alchetron. Piyada Inthavong. Alchetron. [Online] August 27, 2020. https://alchetron.com/Piyada-Inthavong.

20. Coconuts Bangkok. 10 Most Beautiful Transwomen In Thailand (2017 edition). Coconuts. [Online] June 26, 2017. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/lifestyle/10-beautiful-transwomen-thailand-2017-edition/.

21. TG Beauty. Pynk Pemika – No. 15 Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2018 Contestants. 2016 TG Beauty. [Online] https://tgbeautymedia.blogspot.com/2018/08/pynk-pemika-miss-tiffanys-universe.html.

22. Jakarta 100 Bars. 12 Sexiest And Most Beautiful Asian Ladyboys. Jakarta 100 Bars. [Online] https://www.jakarta100bars.com/2020/09/sexy-ladyboys-asia.html.

23. Reva Anggara. Medial News. [Online] Sexy Millen Cyrus Confesses To Having Male Genitals On Her Body: Okezone Celebrity, September 11, 2021. https://www.medialnews.com/sexy-millen-cyrus-confesses-to-having-male-genitals-on-her-body-okezone-celebrity/.

24. The New Indian Express. Following Outrage, Indonesian Police Move Transgender Celebrity Millen Cyrus To Private Cell. The New Indian Express. [Online] November 27, 2020. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2020/nov/27/following-outrage-indonesian-police-move-transgender-celebritymillen-cyrus-to-private-cell-2228897.html.

25. Sara de los Reyes and Renee Nuevo. Mikee Vitug, Jess Labares Transcend Boundaries—They’re Cebu Pacific’s First Trans Woman Flight Attendants. Metro Styles. [Online] December 26, 2019. https://metro.style/people/inspiring-stories/mikee-vitug-jess-labares-cebu-pac-transwomen-crew/22192.

26. Lorenzo Cruz. Pinay Transgender Jess Labares Hailed Miss Photogenic At Miss International Queen pageant In Thailand. Good News Pilipinas. [Online] March 8, 2020. https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/pinay-transgender-jess-labares-hailed-miss-photogenic-at-miss-international-queen-pageant-in-thailand/.

The post 10 Most Famous Asian Ladyboys From Thailand & SE Asia appeared first on ThaiGuider.