Q&A: Miss Tiffany Universe Tunyarat Jirpatpakorn

November 14th, 2007

Tunyarat "Nong Film" Jirpatpakorn, a sao pra ped song (transgender) winner of the “Miss Tiffany Universe” crown, is now chasing an even bigger dream—to be crowned “Miss International Queen.”

BK: What inspired you to become sao pra ped song?

Tunyarat Jirpatpakorn: There’s no source of inspiration or motivation to become what I am; you either have it in you or you don’t. I know I was born and destined to do this.

BK: Is this your first international competition?

TJ: Yes, this is my first—and my last—and I’m as excited as I am nervous. It’s a great honor to represent Thailand in an international competition. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.

BK: How did you prepare for this competition?

TJ: A lot needs to be done! I had to learn how to walk, sit and talk. I also had to prepare for my special performance. So it’s not just about looking beautiful; a lot of hard work is involved to convince the judges.

BK: It's often said the sao pra ped song from Thailand are the most beautiful in the world. What are your thoughts on that?

TJ: They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would say we are all beautiful in our own way but I think sao pra ped song from Thailand are blessed with a more feminine structure, and we are more lady-like.

BK: Do you feel confident about the competition?

TJ: Actually, I do. I have prepared as much as I can and will give it my very best and see what happens. Only one of us is going away with the crown, and I believe that person could be me.

BK: What would you do if you were crowned Miss Queen International?

TJ: I want to represent sao pra ped song not just in Thailand but internationally. I want to educate the world about us so that people will see us as human beings.

BK: Do you think sao pra ped song are well accepted here?

TJ: I believe so; we have an open-minded society and Thai people are generous enough to give us opportunities so that we can prove ourselves.

BK: How do you think peoples’ views are going to change over the next five years?

TJ: In the past, society did not accept people like us. It was only limited to two sexes, male and female. Today, there are more open doors and opportunities. All we need to prove ourselves is to be given a chance.