Update: Filipina transgender beauty contestant speaks out after Bangkok brawl
A Filipina transgender beauty contestant stepped into the spotlight following a viral Bangkok street brawl, seeking to soothe tensions and advocate for respect from the hosts.
Two Filipina nationals faced charges for assaulting six Thai transgender individuals outside the Citin Hotel on Soi Sukhumvit 11 on Monday, March 4. The altercation erupted among a group of over 20 tourists, leading to injuries on both sides.
Thai transgender individuals swiftly rallied their compatriots on social media, urging them to gather outside the Filipinas’ hotel. Amidst police escorting the suspects, another scuffle ensued.
Describing the confrontation, police officer Withawat Chinkam noted potential cultural and racial tensions. Lars Pacheco, who placed sixth in the Miss International Queen pageant, condemned the Filipinas’ actions and urged respectful behaviour abroad.
Expressing concern over bilateral relations, Lars stressed the importance of restraint. She also reached out to a Thai model for further insights into the incident.
Meanwhile, investigations debunked claims of the Filipinas’ involvement in sex work. One suspect attributed the clash to a language barrier and issued an apology. Manila’s foreign ministry confirmed embassy engagement, anticipating deportation after fine payment, reported South China Morning Post.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega urged Filipinas to uphold a positive image abroad, emphasising embassy support in times of distress. He implored travellers to exercise restraint, recognising the significance of respecting local customs.
ORIGINAL STORY: Bangkok police address transgender conflict in Bangkok
In an intriguing turn of events, a conflict between Thai and Filipina transgenders captured the attention of Bangkok, transpiring in Soi Sukhumvit 11, Watthana. On March 5, the commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 5, Police Major General Wittawat Chinkham, held a press conference to shed light on the situation that has led to legal actions and police investigations.
Unfolding as two separate incidents, the first saw six Thai individuals fall victim to an alleged attack by 20 Filipina individuals in the early hours of March 4. Of these, two Filipinas are now subject to legal repercussions for purportedly conspiring to assault others.
The suspects are due to face further legal processing at the Pathumwan District Court, courtesy of the Lumpini inquiry officers. Furthermore, an additional Filipina is under police investigation, with the Thai criminal court being requested to issue an arrest warrant.
The second incident, referred to as the “transgender veterans incident,” occurred on the same day, March 4. This situation involved a physical attack on a Filipina transgender by a Thai individual known only as Champ. Following this altercation, Champ was granted bail. The Filipina individual involved applied for a mediation process, stating that pressing charges against Champ was unnecessary, reported Pol. Maj. Gen. Wittawat at the press conference.
“The case was already settled between the two parties.”
It was also noted that a social media influencer was alleged to have instigated a protest, escalating the situation and involving over 100 people in Soi Sukhumvit 11. The Thai individual who posted the social media posts prompting the gathering on March 4 has been summoned by the police.
Diplomatic relations
Pol. Maj. Gen. Wittawat was keen to emphasise that the incidents bear no connection to the broader relations between Thailand and the Philippines. He confirmed that the issues had been communicated to the Philippine Ambassador to Thailand to ensure mutual understanding between the two nations.
In addition, a report alluding to alleged prostitution services involving Thai and other national transgender individuals in Soi Sukhumvit and nearby areas was addressed. Pol. Maj. Gen. Wittawat firmly asserted that the Thai police had been proactive in tackling the issues.
“There was no prostitution in the areas.”
This assertion triggered an order for the police to conduct an in-depth investigation regarding the report. Pol. Maj. Gen. Wittawat assured that any misconceptions or potential illegal activities would be thoroughly scrutinised to maintain peace and order in the affected areas, reported The Pattaya News.
