Thailand Just Crowned Its First Tom Pageant Winners

The Tom Thailand 2026 has crowned its first winner, with Maythisa “May” Supaperm, known as Khru May, taking the title on 3 October at Calypso Cabaret, Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok. But beyond the crown, the inaugural pageant marks the opening of a new national platform for toms and trans men in Thailand.

A First for Thailand

Officially launched in June, The Tom Thailand is the first national pageant of its kind in Thailand. The platform was created to give toms and trans men greater visibility, while providing an opportunity to showcase their talents, confidence and individuality on a national stage.

In Thailand, “tom” is commonly used to describe masculine-presenting lesbians and women with a masculine gender expression. The pageant seeks to create space for people within this community to step forward and be seen on their own terms.

The response to its first edition reflected the demand for such a platform. More than 200 people auditioned, with 55 making it through the auditions and 54 ultimately taking part in the final. The competition was open to people aged 18 to 40 who identified as a tom or trans man.

From the outset, organisers positioned The Tom Thailand as more than a competition. Founder and licence holder Bunnada Thippibarn has spoken about the importance of giving everyone an opportunity to show their potential and step into society with confidence.

The launch brought together a team of industry figures to help contestants develop their skills and discover their potential, including Anan “Aun” Semathong, Vinij “Pom” Boonchaisri and Tachaya “Keng” Prathumwan as Masters, alongside coaches Patinya Kuantrakul, Sumantrat and Piyawan Chuentako.

The winner received THB 100,000 in cash, a trophy and vouchers and prizes worth more than THB 1 million. Nacharish “Michell” Kritnavasap, Jilnakorn “Georgia” Hengsawat, Salthichaya “Mee In” Lhaphet and Chotika “Orm” Thadadolthip were named first through fourth runners-up respectively.

Opening Up What Comes Next

With its first edition now complete, the organisers’ ambitions extend beyond the pageant itself. Future plans include developing tom singing artists, as well as producing a series and short films exploring tom life and experiences.

The Tom Thailand therefore represents more than a new addition to Thailand’s pageant scene. It opens a new space for a community that has rarely been represented on a national stage, with the aim of turning visibility into further opportunities for talent, creativity and self-expression.