Thailand launches its first national pageant for trans men and 'toms'

Thailand’s first national pageant for masculine-presenting lesbians and trans men has crowned its inaugural winner. Methisa Suphaphoem, known as Khru Me, took the title at The Tom Thailand 2026 on 3 October at Calypso Cabaret in Bangkok.

The event welcomed contestants aged 18 to 40 who identified as a tom or a trans man. In Thailand, “tom” is a widely used term for masculine-presenting lesbians and women with a masculine gender expression.

According to Time Out Bangkok, all 54 finalists took part in a talent showcase before 10 contestants advanced to the question round. Khru Me won the title, while Michelle, Georgia, Mee In and Aom were named runners-up.

The journey to the final began with auditions on 25 and 26 July, which attracted more than 200 applicants. Organisers selected 55 contestants, with 54 competing in the final. Participants received free workshops led by pageant mentors, including make-up artist Winit Bunchaisri and singer Keng Thachai Prathumwan. Judging considered contestants’ thinking, conduct and way of life alongside their appearance.

The pageant was developed by Bunnada “Lek” Thippibal, who holds its rights, and directors Wilailak “Nan” Sirisakhon and Mae Not Maxim. Lek has said the idea began with a question about why toms did not have a pageant stage of their own. Nan, who has worked in nightlife for more than 20 years, estimated in an August interview that around 80% of contestants kept their identities and talents off social media out of fear. Creating a public platform for them was a central aim of the event.

At the pageant’s June launch, organisers announced a cash prize of B100,000 for the winner, along with a trophy and vouchers worth more than B1 million. Mae Not Maxim also outlined plans to develop contestants as tom singers, produce a series and short films about tom life, and host community events featuring tom singers and DJs. Further details on those plans are yet to be announced.

The pageant arrives amid wider change in Thailand, which legalised same-sex marriage on 23 January 2025, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. Thailand also has a long pageant tradition, including Miss Tiffany’s Universe, a competition for trans women that dates back to 1998. The Tom Thailand debut gives toms and trans men a national platform of their own.

Why this matters for the workplace

Visibility and recognition can help LGBTQ+ people feel safer bringing their identities and talents into public and professional life. For employers, the pageant is a reminder that inclusion means recognising the range of LGBTQ+ identities and building workplaces where people can participate without fear of discrimination.

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