A gay doctor has been condemned by the community of Thai performers after he was crowned the winner of Mr. Gay World Thailand wearing skimpy briefs with a full khon headdress.
A photo of Dr. Pattanachak Wipadakul, 30, spread across Facebook yesterday as many people criticized him for pairing a khon headdress with sexy white panties and a sensual faux fur scarf.
Performers of khon, a genre of traditional Thai performance art, consider their headdresses sacred and represent the art that has been passed on to them for generations.
Photo: Aum Make Up Nartthaphong
“The first time I saw this photo, I was speechless. I’m disappointed and saddened. How could you do this to a khon headdress? You’re not a performer, so you may not think it’s offensive, but I am, and I can’t accept it,” a viral post from Facebook user Aum Make Up Nartthaphong wrote.
“Honestly, I’m crying inside. I am saddened that a Thai person did this.”
The Mr. Gay World Thailand competition was held for the first time on Wednesday. The contest was to promote gender equality and create acceptance of all genders.
A part of the event was for the contestants to design a swimsuit inspired by Thai culture, according to Thairath.
Dr. Pattanachak, the winner, said he feels honored to be chosen and to represent Thai gay men. He will increase his knowledge about gender equality to prepare for the international contest Mr. Gay World 2017, which will be held in Madrid, Spain.
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