Following the success of its debut season, Drag Race Thailand is back for a second season starting on Friday on Line TV, once again searching for the most talented drag queens in the country with that winning combination of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.
The show promises to be even bigger. The hairdos are bigger, the personalities are bigger, the size and diversity of the cast are bigger. Fourteen drag artists are set to compete this time around; their faces will officially be unveiled in the first episode.
For the first time in Drag Race (including the original RuPaul's Drag Race), the competition is open to contestants regardless of gender. The contestants on Drag Race are traditionally effeminate gay men who are drag queens. A few identify as transgender women. But this is the first time that "faux queens" or "bio queens" -- women who perform in female drag -- have been allowed to enter. The aim is to present drag as an inclusive form of art that's open to anyone.
As well as breaking down gender boundaries, Drag Race Thailand now also welcomes contestants of all nationalities.
"We hope the audience will be happy to watch it, to see that diversity in Thailand has been around for a long time and that the country is now more open and accepting. Thailand is a land of opportunity where anybody's hopes and dreams can come true," said Piyarat Kaljareuk, the show's executive producer at Kantana Group.
During the press conference held on Monday at Iconsiam, drag queens from Seasons 1 and 2 took over the Charoen Nakhon Hall to strut their stuff in elaborate red, white and blue costumes. Season 2's episode Zero also debuted at the event -- and is now available on Line TV -- showing the audition process that saw the queens whipping their wigs around, climbing on tables and showing off their creative ideas to impress the selection committee made up of Piyarat, host Art Arya and co-host Pan Pan Narkprasert (Pangina Heals).
From what we can tell based on this exciting appetiser, the production has improved. The queens who auditioned also seem very promising. It looks to be another great chapter in the ever-expanding world of Drag Race, which has been around for 10 years and counting. We can't wait to see how the dynamic, story and game changes now that the floor is open to everyone.
Drag Race Thailand Season 2 premieres this Friday at 8pm on Line TV. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/DragRaceThailand.
