After Aunt Tue Sombatsorn Thirasaroch the well-known organizer and a judge for the Miss Tiffany Universe 2026 contest during the The Change Maker round, which involves contestants presenting social movement projects,
where contestant Naboon proposed a project addressing issues faced by transgender university students living in male dormitories with shared bathrooms, causing discomfort and insecurity. Naboon believed the university should provide safe spaces rather than burdening students to solve the problem themselves, as not all have the financial means.
However, Aunt Tue viewed the presentation as aggressive and taught that one must learn to compromise in life before retorting with the question, "You keep demanding to be called Miss. Do you have a uterus? If not, you shouldn't be called Miss... period," sparking a heated controversy.
Recently, Thairath Entertainment interviewed Book Teerachaya Pimkitidech, Miss Tiffany 2026, along with Maprang Pimrata Pongchaivivat, first runner-up Miss Tiffany 2026, and Seagames Mintthita Ondam, second runner-up Miss Tiffany 2026, regarding the incident after the three expressed gratitude to the media at Building 17, Thairath TV.
Asked about the controversy involving Aunt Tue and Naboon over the change of title prefix?
Book: Actually, we weren’t in the room that day because contestants entered one by one. I only saw clips later. But I believe Naboon’s project aimed to help us live together equally. I understand the contest is stressful and there may have been factors I wasn’t aware of, so I can’t fully describe the atmosphere.
Maprang: I see both sides as personal opinions. We can find a middle ground by listening to all voices with reason and analyzing what can be resolved or healed. If we find that middle ground, long-term reconciliation is possible, allowing us to coexist happily without other conditions.
Seagames: I’m close to Naboon and have spoken with her often. Her initial intention was only to improve the dorm conditions where she lives. The controversy tied to uterus and the title Miss is unfortunate, but I don’t think anatomy should define gender. Our identity is defined by being human, by what’s inside us. I hope this incident encourages open dialogue.
Seagames respects both agreement and disagreement and listens. We want to find a middle ground. If we open our minds to talk, we can find solutions. This is not about immediate change in one or two years but a long-term conversation to shift opinions on both sides. Once concluded, authorities will consider and enact laws for harmonious living.
What do you think about celebrities voicing opinions on this issue, with both support and opposition?
Book: I understand this as a social balance with differing views. It’s actually good that even within our community there are diverse opinions; this helps identify overlooked blind spots, enabling the best possible change.
As I said, this is not the final stage but the first step to raise the issue. This first step should be based on reason. Once possibilities are understood, we can build understanding and trust. The legislative process will then flow more smoothly.
Those opposed worry about gender identity, medical issues, and other concerns. How do you feel about their disagreement?
Book: I’ve heard many concerns, like deception. I understand that in today’s society, deception happens daily. If a transgender person commits fraud, they must face legal consequences. I don’t want people to think transgender individuals use the Miss title to deceive others. Ultimately, anyone who does wrong must be held accountable, but it’s wrong to generalize and assume all transgender people like me, Maprang, or Seagames are at fault.
Seagames: I believe a middle ground can be found. I’m a radiologic technologist working with medical professionals in hospitals. We can differentiate gender identity and sex assigned at birth in official documents, as hospitals already record medical histories like surgeries and allergies. Adding gender identity and sex assigned at birth is possible; we can coexist.
People may focus on emergency situations, wondering how to know if someone is male or female. In emergencies, airway management is the priority regardless of gender; treatment is the same. I don’t want people to think that having this title means we deceive anyone medically, as lying about personal history happens daily across all genders.
I want everyone to be open-minded because this is a sensitive issue. I urge people not to react emotionally or jump to conclusions. Listen to multiple perspectives and discuss peacefully without violence or hatred. When gender bias decreases, we can see opportunities for progress.
Maprang: I agree with Book and Seagames. Everything has rules and regulations. Sometimes we focus only on ourselves and overlook opposing views. If we each step back and listen reasonably, we can reach conclusions and address topics like medicine and deception. Ultimately, it depends on the individual. Generalizing does not help. Evaluating individuals is more accurate.
Some have suggested creating a special title prefix just for us?
Book: I’ve heard suggestions like "Khun" or "Nai Sao," which are new ideas. If such titles become practical and accepted, that’s fine. However, globally we use a binary system of male and female to live equally, not only in Thailand but worldwide, so we use titles like Mr. and Miss.
Many women feel this undermines them and may subject them to further gender scrutiny. How do you feel?
Book: I understand because women have fought for rights for a long time. I want all women to see us as fellow women striving for women’s rights. I don’t intend to take space from any woman by using the Miss title. I want to build a stronger sisterhood community.
Having more people under Mr. and Miss strengthens advocacy not just for transgender rights but for global women’s rights. I see it as greater empathy. We can live as human beings.
Book, Maprang, Seagames, and many transgender people believe in themselves and develop their femininity according to their gender identity. I believe one day, when we use the Miss title, we will live happily, just as any woman lives her own life.
Some criticize this as excessive demand?
Book: Personally, I don’t think it’s excessive. But I understand that repeatedly raising these issues reflects Thailand’s longstanding human rights problems affecting transgender people.
Thailand is seen as LGBTQ+ friendly, but legally transgender people remain marginalized, having to advocate and seek compassion from authorities with legal power to create real change.
So, as Maprang and Seagames said, this doesn’t make us superheroes but ordinary people striving to live with quality and happiness on equal terms.
If we gain the right to use the Miss title, what women’s rights would you advocate for?
Book: Womanhood encompasses many things, such as maternity leave and sanitary products as necessities. We can raise our voice as transgender women whose biological bodies differ but whose mental states and hormone treatments are very similar. We understand these changes. We can be a vital voice supporting all women, understanding their feelings during hormonal and physical changes, different from men, standing with you.
Lastly, any message to fans and those who may still disagree?
Book: Please follow the Miss Tiffany 2026 team; we have many missions throughout the year. Follow us on the Miss Tiffany's Universe page. I will represent Thailand at Miss International Queen in September, and everyone hopes for a fifth crown; I do too.
Ultimately, I believe Miss Tiffany’s determination is to create space and showcase the abilities of transgender and diverse gender individuals. I will use my voice to continue this mission for society. I want to lead by listening to all differing opinions.
Importantly, while I have a clear stance, I respect all voices. Being different isn’t about right or wrong. We won’t judge. As long as you dare to speak up, we are ready to listen reasonably and seek a neutral path that brings the greatest happiness to society.
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