Thailand's first-ever tom pageant is here

Thailand has never had a pageant quite like this. The Tom Thailand 2026 – the country's first competitive platform dedicated to toms or masculine-presenting lesbians, and trans men – officially launched at a press conference on June 15 at Calypso Cabaret, Asiatique The Riverfront. 

And no, this is not just another beauty contest in a sharper suit. The competition is being pitched as a national stage for confidence, character and self-expression, with organisers saying contestants will be judged not only on appearance but on their thinking, conduct and way of life.

The pageant is aimed at everyday toms and trans men from across Thailand, giving them space to step forward, be visible and take up a place in a pageant culture that has rarely made room for this community in such a direct way.

Behind the project is Bunnada Thippibal, widely known as Phi Lek, who holds the rights to the competition. She says the idea grew from the belief that everyone deserves the chance to show what they are capable of, and that the pageant is designed to encourage a new generation to step proudly into the public eye. 

Joining her as pageant director is Wilailak Sirisakhon, who has underlined the competition's inclusive remit. Three high-profile figures have also been named as Masters for the contest: Anant Semathong, better known as Mae Uan Return; Winit Bunchaisri; and musician Thachai Prathumwan, known as Keng. 

Contestants will be guided by a coaching team comprising Patitthaya Khwantrakun, Sumonrat and Piyawan Chuentako, while social media personality Mod X and actor Thanaphol Khiaoorn will host proceedings.

The launch comes at a time when LGBTQ+ visibility in Thailand is growing fast, but representation for the tom community specifically has often remained less visible in mainstream spaces. The Tom Thailand 2026 wants to change that, creating a dedicated national conversation around identity, potential and pride.

Applications are open now. Entrants must be aged 18 and 40 and identify as tom or trans men. Applicants need to submit a personal biography, three to five photographs, including half-body and full-body shots, and a self-introduction video of no more than three minutes covering their background, occupation, lifestyle, special talent and reasons for wanting to compete.

To apply, send your materials by inbox to the Tom Thailand Facebook page.