Thai transvestites glam up to vie for coveted crown

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

PATTAYA, Thailand (AFP) — Final touches were being applied to sequined gowns and heavy make-up on Friday as 30 Thai transvestites prepared for a pageant that has become a national fixation.

A sold-out, 2,000-seat theatre in Pattaya will host the annual Miss Tiffany competition to crown the most beautiful transvestite in Thailand at the end of an evening that draws huge nationwide interest.

"It's a unique contest, the only one in Thailand and the biggest in the world," Miss Tiffany's assistant managing director, Alisa Phanpusak told AFP.

"This kind of pageant gives transvestites the chance to show what talent and beauty they have."

Sixty contestants were whittled down by half over the week through elimination rounds.

The event, now in its 11th...