After Aunt Tue Sombatson Thirasaroch the well-known organizer and judge of the Miss Tiffany Universe 2026 contest during the The Change Maker round, which is focused on contestants presenting social movement projects,
in which contestant Nabun proposed a project addressing dormitory issues for transgender university students who are forced to stay in male dorms with shared bathrooms, causing discomfort and safety concerns. Nabun believes the burden should not fall on students alone, as not everyone can afford it, and universities should provide safe spaces for transgender students.
However, Aunt Tue viewed Nabun's presentation as aggressive and emphasized the need for compromise in life. She then asked, "You're demanding to be called Miss—do you have a uterus? If not, you don't get to be Miss... period," sparking a heated controversy.
Recently, Thairath Entertainment interviewed Book Theerachaya Pimkitidech, Miss Tiffany 2026, along with Maprang Pimrata Pongchaiwiwat, first runner-up Miss Tiffany 2026, and Seagames Mintthita Ondam, second runner-up Miss Tiffany 2026 regarding the incident, after the three thanked the media at Thairath TV Building 17.
When asked about the Miss Tiffany 2026 controversy involving Aunt Tue and Nabun over the use of prefixes,
Book said: Actually, we weren't in the room that day as contestants entered one by one. I only saw the edited video clip afterward. But I believe Nabun's project's goal was to help us live together equally. The contest had increased pressure and other factors I wasn't present for, so I can't fully explain the atmosphere then.
Maprang said: I see both sides' comments as personal opinions. We can find a middle ground by listening to all voices with reason, analyzing what issues can be resolved or healed. I believe if we find that middle ground, this matter can be eased in the long term, allowing us to coexist happily without other conditions.
Seagames said: I’m actually close to Nabun and talk with her often. Her original intent was only to change the dorm conditions she was living in. That was her sole purpose. But because of the controversy, it got tied to the uterus and the "Miss" title. I don’t want organs to define gender. Our identity isn’t determined by organs but by our shared humanity. So I hope this incident encourages open conversations.
Seagames respects both supporters and opponents and listens carefully. But we want a middle ground here. If we openly discuss, we can find solutions. We’re not talking about changes happening within a year or two; it’s a long-term dialogue to shift perspectives on both sides. Once there’s a conclusion, authorities will consider it and enact laws to help us live happily together.
What do you think about public figures expressing opinions on this issue, both agreeing and disagreeing?
Book: I understand this reflects a social balance. There are supporters and opponents. I actually feel better that even within the same community, differing views help uncover points I might have missed or they might have overlooked, revealing more blind spots to address for the best possible change.
As I said, this is not the final step but the first step to raise the issue. So this first step should be based on reason and logic. Once we know what’s possible or what might happen, we can help everyone understand and trust the legislative process more smoothly.
Those who disagree worry about gender identity, medical issues, and other concerns. How do you feel about their differing views?
Book: I’ve seen many concerns, like deception. I understand that in today’s society, deception happens every day. Even if a transgender person commits wrongdoing, they will be punished. The law must do its job. I don’t want anyone to think transgender people use the "Miss" title to deceive others, because if that happens, the person will face legal consequences. But it’s wrong to stereotype me, Maprang, Seagames, or any transgender person as more likely to be wrong.
Seagames: I believe there’s a middle ground here. I’m a radiologic technologist working with medical staff at a hospital. We can separate gender identity from biological sex in official documents. Hospitals already keep records of surgeries and allergies. Adding gender identity and biological sex separately is feasible, and we can coexist that way.
People may focus on emergencies and ask how to tell if a patient is male or female. Actually, in any gender case, the first resuscitation step is intubation, which is the same regardless of gender. We use the same treatment methods. I don’t want people to think transgender people using a prefix would deceive anyone medically, because lying about personal history happens every day, regardless of gender.
Seagames hopes everyone keeps an open mind. This is a sensitive matter. I don’t want emotions or hasty conclusions. We should listen to many perspectives, discuss peacefully, avoid violence and hatred. When gender bias decreases, we will see new possibilities emerge.
Maprang: I agree with Book and Seagames. Everything has rules. Sometimes we focus only on ourselves and forget opposing views. If we each take a step back and listen to all voices with reason, we can reach conclusions and clear messages on medical issues, deception, and more. Ultimately, it depends on the individual. Generalizations don’t help. Analyzing individuals better defines who they are.
Many have proposed having specific prefixes for us?
Book: I’ve considered this too, as some have suggested terms like “Khun” or “Nai Sao,” which are novel. If such terms truly come into use, that’s fine. But globally, we don’t live alone or only in Thailand. The world uses a binary system, male and female, to enable equal living—not only in Thailand but internationally. So we need prefixes like Nai and Miss.
Many women feel this diminishes them and could lead to more gender verification. How do you feel?
Book: I understand because women have long fought for women’s rights. I want all women to see that we are united in pushing for women’s rights. I believe using the Miss prefix doesn’t take away from any woman. We want to build a stronger community of female allies.
Book sees that increasing the number of people under the prefixes Nai and Miss helps us push not just transgender rights but also global women’s rights, making them stronger. It’s about more empathy. We can live as human beings.
Book, Maprang, Seagames, and many transgender people believe in themselves and develop their femininity as they feel in their gender identity. Book thinks one day, when we use Miss, we will live happily, just like any woman living her true life.
Some criticize that the demands are excessive?
Book: Personally, I don’t feel it’s excessive. But I understand that repeatedly raising these issues shows that Thai society has long neglected transgender human rights and freedoms.
We are seen as LGBTQ+ friendly, but legally we remain marginalized. Many rights still require us to raise our voices, appealing to authorities who hold legal power to participate and help bring real change.
So, as Maprang and Seagames said, this doesn’t make us superheroes but ordinary people who can live with quality, equality, and happiness.
If we get to use the prefix Miss, what rights would you like to advocate for women?
Book: Womanhood involves many things, like maternity leave and sanitary products, which are necessities. I believe transgender people, even if their biological bodies aren’t 100% the same, share similar feelings and hormone treatments. We understand these points closely. We can be an important voice supporting all women, understanding their feelings during hormonal and bodily changes, which differ from men. We stand with you.
Finally, any messages to fans and those who may disagree?
Book: Please follow the Miss Tiffany 2026 team; we have many activities throughout the year. Follow us on the Miss Tiffany's Universe page. I will represent Thailand at Miss International Queen this September, hoping for a fifth crown, which I also hope for.
Ultimately, I believe Miss Tiffany’s mission is to create space and show the talents of transgender and diverse gender people. I want my voice to continue this mission in society, using my leadership to listen to all differing views.
Importantly, while I have a clear stance, I respect all voices. It’s okay to disagree; there’s no judgment. As long as you dare to speak up, we are ready to listen rationally, find a middle path, and make our society as happy as possible.
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