CJMY
Plus-size beauty takes centre stage in the annual Miss Jumbo Queen pageant, which was announced at a press conference on Thursday. The pageant aims to celebrate diversity in women’s beauty and promote tourism in Korat, Thailand. The highlight of the press conference was an eating competition between six jumbo queens and a younger elephant named “Phang Orathai” from the Surin province.
The preliminary rounds of the pageant will take place in six different Thai provinces, while the final round will be hosted at The Mall Korat. The contestants must weigh more than 80 kg and can be women or ladyboys. The contest’s name in Thai is “Miss Daughter of the Elephant,” translated directly into English.
Besides showcasing their potential and skills, contestants in the “Miss Daughter of the Elephant” pageant also participate in community service projects, helping sick and abused elephants nationwide. The pageant’s winner will receive a cash prize of 300,000 Thai Baht.
At the press conference, Jitravadee Chutimantanon, president of the Miss Jumbo Queen Contest, stated that this year’s competitors would aid in generating funds for a project called “returning elephants to their native land.” Samart Suwanmanee, permanent secretary of the province of Nakhon Ratchasima, Katesiree Somboonsilp, deputy director of the Nakhon Ratchasima office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Preecha Limua, general manager of The Mall Ratchasima Co Ltd., and sponsors of the competition were also present.
All contestants in the final round will receive “Pak Thong Chai” silk, one of the Korat identities. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to benefit from the local knowledge of Korat during the contest period, thanks to the assistance of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima province, according to Jitravadee.
The Miss Jumbo Queen pageant has been held annually for six years and continues to gain attention from local and international communities. The competition celebrates beauty in all shapes and sizes while supporting a worthy cause that benefits elephants in Thailand.
The Miss Jumbo Queen pageant was first introduced in 2018 in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, which is located about 260 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. The competition aims to celebrate and promote the diversity of beauty among women, including those who are considered plus-size. It also aims to promote tourism in Korat, famous for its rich cultural heritage, delicious food, and scenic attractions.
The Miss Jumbo Queen pageant is unique in that it allows not only women but also ladyboys to participate. In Thailand, ladyboys, or transgender women, are widely accepted and even celebrated. The pageant’s name, “Miss Daughter of the Elephant,” reflects the country’s reverence for the majestic animal, considered a national symbol of Thailand.
The competition’s preliminary rounds are held in six different provinces in Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Surat Thani, Khon Kaen, and Korat. The final round is held in The Mall Korat, a popular shopping centre in the city.
Apart from showcasing their beauty and skills, the contestants must also participate in community service projects, such as helping sick and abused elephants throughout the country. This reflects the pageant’s commitment to promoting social responsibility and environmental conservation.
The Miss Jumbo Queen pageant has gained popularity and has become an annual event that many women and ladyboys look forward to. The competition’s winner receives a cash prize of 300,000 Thai Baht, equivalent to about $9,000 USD.
Jimmy Tan
