Miss Andaman to win B1m

PHUKET: Kittiya Chaiyo, 17, from Cherng Talay is Phuket’s last hope in the Miss Andaman 2002 beauty contest, with competitors chasing a million-baht prize and the chance to spend a year promoting the Andaman region throughout Thailand. Sakda Sutthisathit, chairman of the pageant’s organizing committee, explained that the contest is a joint effort by the Chambers of Commerce of Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. “The entrants are between 17 and 25 years old. We had about 60 ladies register, and we have already chosen 30 of them to take part in public activities throughout the six provinces from November 16-28,” he said. K. Kittiya, a student at Phuket Technology College, is the youngest contestant in the pageant, and the only one from Phuket to make it through to the final 30. “The contestants will return to Phuket on November 30 for the final judging at Phuket FantaSea,” said K. Sakda. The women will be judged not only on their beauty, but also on their intelligence and their knowledge of tourist attractions in the Andaman region. Although the Miss Thailand pageant recently drew criticism for contestants being scored on how well they wear a bikini, the skimpy swimwear element has been deemed “necessary” for the Miss Andaman contest because the women will represent a region known for its beaches. ITV is scheduled to telecast the event live, starting at 10:30 pm. Tickets are 15,000 baht for a table of 10, and are available at the Phuket Chamber of Commerce. (Tel: 076-217567, 9 am to 5 pm.)