New Platform Gives Tom Community Space to Shine

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the organizers of The Tom Thailand 2026 pageant, copyright holder Lek Bunnada Tipphipal and pageant director Nan Wilailaksana Sirisak, reveals the vision and effort behind creating a stage for Thailand's tom community to overcome fear and showcase their talents to the world. The founders share their dedicated work experience, generous budgets from the outset, and recruitment of top-tier mentors to help contestants develop sustainable careers.

Lek explained the pageant's origin and purpose, saying inspiration came after attending a competition and questioning why there was no stage specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly toms, despite recognizing their high potential in music, performance, and business. Nan added that roughly 80 percent of contestants typically remain hidden, too afraid to reveal their identity or abilities on social media, so the pageant was created as a "stage of opportunity" to help them overcome that fear.

Lek runs private businesses including a costume rental shop, Chinese goods import, and a beauty line. Nan has spent over 20 years in the nightlife entertainment industry, previously opening a tom bar and hosting parties, bringing experience in nurturing talent and giving young people stage opportunities that now extends to daytime society.

When asked about investment and preparation, Lek revealed the budget spiraled far beyond the initial 2 million baht estimate, running out within three days of actual work. However, neither organizer is concerned about profit in the first season, prioritizing quality instead. Nan noted they share the philosophy of creating value and not disappointing contestants. The pageant organized free workshops for over 200 contestants, teaching skills, languages, and inviting TikTok teams to teach income-generation strategies, ensuring every participant leaves with knowledge, professional skills, and lasting opportunities regardless of placement.

Regarding selection and coach roles, Lek emphasized choosing mentors based on their philosophy, discipline, and exemplary character. Pa Tob and Pi New represent stable family values and lasting love, using psychological methods to transform behavior and unlock potential. Gaeng Thachaya brings energy and positive mindset, Wim Piyanun embodies natural expression and challenges stereotypes about tom presentation, and Pom Winicha uses sharp insight to identify and highlight each contestant's hidden strengths.

The organizers originally planned to judge the final round themselves but decided to step back and invite professional external judges including singers, vocal and dance instructors, and celebrities to ensure transparency and ease the emotional burden. Both Lek and Nan expressed surprise at the results, noting that initial skepticism has transformed into widespread public support, with viral content generating 25 million total views.