Thailand’s First Mr. Gay Universe: A Voice That Inspires Change

BANGKOK — In July 2025, Thailand hosted its first Mr. Gay Universe Thailand competition, signaling a powerful shift in how LGBTQ+ pageantry can serve as a platform for advocacy, community impact, and representation. The competition placed its greatest emphasis not on looks but on leadership, creativity, and social campaigns aimed at driving real change.

Panupong “Bank Pan” Pimprasit, a creative director, acting coach, and musical performer, was selected to represent Thailand at the Mr. Gay Universe World Final in India this November.

Advocacy in Action: Empower of Uniblood

Panupong’s campaign, “Empower of Uniblood,” stemmed from his personal experience of being denied the right to donate blood after disclosing his identity as a gay man.

“After being barred from donating, it became a source of trauma,” he told Bangkok Post. “Why don’t they accept my blood? Why do they have to devalue and discriminate against us based on who we are?”

The campaign calls for the Thai Red Cross to update its blood donation policy, bringing it in line with international standards and eliminating discrimination. Panupong also plans to launch “Podcast Uniblood Thailand” to amplify personal stories and build collective advocacy.

“This is not about a title,” he said. “Real success will be when every LGBTQ+ person in Thailand is free to donate blood.”

Social Campaigns with Impact

Mr. Gay Universe Thailand 2025 featured finalists whose projects highlighted the strength and diversity of the Thai LGBTQ+ community:

Surachai Saengsuwan, Best Pride Campaign Winner, has been leading a project that brings children with Down syndrome into workshops and joint performances with different LGBTQ+ groups. His goal: to shift public perception of LGBTQ+ people as active givers and contributors to society.

Jakkaphan Phataraaksornsakul, awarded Drag Queen Iconic Buriram launched “Disability and Diversity: My Power My Pride,” mentoring disabled individuals interested in drag performance and promoting visibility without shame.

Pand Chandrakaeo’s project “Rainbow Wounds” raises awareness of violence against LGBTQ+ people and empowers survivors to share their stories.

Santi Kengsuwan created “Notice the Red Flag”, an online safety network for emergency alerts and support for vulnerable groups, especially sex workers.

Eakachai Sreprom developed “Gay Unicorn,” an app offering information on rights, sexual health, and community resources.

Pattawee Tunprasert is pushing to create safer school spaces for LGBTQ+ students.

Supakij Phosida launched “Hear and Heal”, advocating for reintegration of LGBTQ+ ex-inmates into the workforce.

These campaigns reflect a new generation of advocacy, one that blends visibility with action.

Bangkok Rainbow: Leading the Way

Bangkok Rainbow, a long-standing LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, holds the exclusive rights to host Mr. Gay Thailand under the Mr. Gay Universe banner. Their leadership has turned this event into a national platform to amplify LGBTQ+ voices, nurture young advocates, and connect Thailand to the global movement.

Looking Ahead to India

Mr. Gay Universe® is a new international pageant dedicated to pride, culture, and equality. The World Final in India this November will gather national representatives from around the globe for a program centered on HIV awareness, mental health, and social impact campaigns.

A Platform That Speaks

The launch of Mr. Gay Universe Thailand in July marked a turning point for LGBTQ+ advocacy in the country. It shows how pageantry can be redefined,  from spectacle to substance, with Bangkok Rainbow leading the movement forward.

📰 Original reporting credit: Bangkok Post – “Pageant for Progress” and “Blood campaigner crowned as first Mr Gay Universe Thailand”.