SASHAYING TOWARDS SOFT POWER

Thai drag artists are gaining mainstream recognition but still require more support

- STORY AND PHOTOS: THANA BOONLERT

Performers spent an hour on their transformation with elaborate makeup and costumes. When the curtain went up, they sashayed, lip-synced, danced, jumped and somersaulted. After a jaw-dropping show, they removed all the glitter and returned to normal life. The next day, they repeat the cycle.

As drag is becoming more mainstream, performers tout that the art form holds potential for showcasing Thai culture, but it needs more support.

"Drag is a type of performing arts that transforms ourselves for artistic expression," said Araya Indra, a drag performer, stylist, and member of the subcommittee for performing arts of the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (Thacca), in an event titled "Thaituristic Drag Scene" as part of the SPLASH-Soft Power Forum 2025 earlier this month.

Araya noted that performances are paving the way for drag in Thailand. In the past, café stage male comedians often cross-dressed for comical effect on television. Meanwhile, as lip-syncing became fashionable, transgenders began to emulate their idols. Soon, cabaret shows followed and took off.

"All can be traced back to the art of imitation. But at the time, the term 'drag' did not exist in Thailand," Araya said.