Nongpoi Who Swept Various Beauty Pageants
Thai transgender Nongpoy (36), who has swept various beauty pageants, is drawing attention for her lavish wedding to a chaebol.
Singaporean media outlet The Straits Times reported on the 2nd (local time) that Nongpoy held a wedding with businessman Pakawong Yok (41) at the southern Thai resort of Phuket.
According to the media, the wedding was conducted in the Peranakan style, a blend of Chinese and Malaysian cultures, and it is said that an astronomical amount was spent on the outfit Nongpoy wore. Nongpoy wore a 20 million baht (about 750 million KRW) outfit, and the golden crown made of pure gold took about three months to make.
Nongpoy and Hongyok are known to have known each other for over 20 years. Since Nongpoy was a close friend of Hongyok’s younger sister, the two have also lived like siblings for a long time.
Nongpoy is a transgender woman who underwent gender reassignment surgery at the age of 17. She gained public recognition by winning international transgender beauty pageants such as Miss Tiffany and Miss International Queen in 2004.
Currently, Nongpoy appears in TV programs and movies in her home country Thailand and Hong Kong, and she is also active as a brand ambassador for cosmetics and jewelry.
Meanwhile, Thailand is a country where gender reassignment surgery (sex confirmation surgery) is well established. According to the Thai Medical Council, gender reassignment surgery is permitted for transgender individuals over 18 years old. Surgeons performing the operations must register with the Medical Council and obtain a license, indicating that related regulations are well organized.
Social prejudice and rejection against transgender people are low, and their social participation is active. For example, Chakrapong Chakrachutapit, a Thai businessman who acquired the world-renowned beauty pageant 'Miss Universe' from former U.S. President Donald Trump, is a transgender person who underwent gender confirmation surgery from male to female. He is the founder of 'JKN Global Group,' which owns brands in various fields such as beverages, nutritional supplements, and cosmetics.
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