The reigning Miss Tiffany is Saruda Panyakham of Tak province.
Background
The contest is open to all transgender women who may or may not have gone through sex reassignment surgery, or who simply crossdress and/or live their lives as females.[5] "Ladyboy" (or "kathoey"), while potentially considered a derogatory description or even a hateful slur in some parts of the world, is commonly used by both the LGBT+ community and others within Southeast Asia in reference to effeminate gay men who crossdress and drag entertainers, as well as transgender women. Each year, about 100 applicants from across Thailand submit their résumés and audition to take part in the pageant. All contestants need to have Thai nationality and be between the ages of 18 and 25. Contestants under the age of 20 are required to show proof of parental permission to participate.[citation needed] Contestants come from a variety of backgrounds, including university students, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, and more.[6] Once chosen to participate in the pageant, the contestants are judged based on physical attributes and overall performance, in several categories, in accordance to the feminine ideal.[7]
The Miss Tiffany's Universe winner receives a trophy and crown, a car (Honda Jazz), cash prize, jewelry and other gifts from sponsors. Besides the overall winner, other awards include Miss Photogenic, Miss Sexy Star, Miss Congeniality and Miss Popular Vote.[8] Miss Tiffany's Universe is Thailand's official prerequisite pageant to Miss International Queen. Miss Tiffany’s Universe pageant, held once per year, is receiving more attention than ever as it is now broadcast live on Thai television, averaging an audience of more than 15 million viewers.
Miss Tiffany's Universe is a registered trademark of Tiffany's Show Pattaya Co, Ltd. The organization supports charity events for the less fortunate and supports The Royal-sponsored AIDS Foundation. The ultimate goal of the contest is to promote trans and LGBT rights and equality and improve the overall quality of life for transgender persons, in Thailand. The pageant is also a source of significant income and opens up lucrative opportunities and sponsorships for pageant contestants.[6]
