The nearly six-year wait is finally over, everyone- Drag Race Thailand is back, back, back again! We left season 2 in 2019, where we saw Angele Anang take the crown. Well, season 3 sees a brand-new cast and a brand-new host. Previous co-host Pangina Heals is now in charge, and she’ll be joined by some incredible guest judges throughout the season. The Thai tea is ready to be served… The first queen entering is Srirasha Hotsauce in a fiery orange outfit, looking like, well, a bottle of hot sauce. She’s not alone for long, as out next is Zepee, who describes herself as sexy, stunning, and seductive. Then Frankie Wonga walks in as a prosthetic cat, and I love the contrasting styles of the cast thus far. Continuing that contrast is Kara Might looking pretty with an outfit that will cater to all the pink fashion enthusiasts.
From pastel pink to hot bold pink is Gawdland walking in towering stripper heels and wearing barely any clothes, but she looks amazing, so kudos to her. The most common comment amongst them all is “I thought you weren’t coming.” Highlighting just how excited everyone was to be on the show and how much buzz there was amongst those who knew each other previously. Next to make an entrance and confidently shouting “boobs check, pussy check?” is Benze Diva, a sparkly showgirl. Then an actual piece of art steps out and has a drag name I would want for myself; it’s Shortgun, despite only doing drag for a year. She looks incredible, and her creativity is sure to keep us looking forward to seeing what she brings.
Pangina welcomes the queens to the first mini-challenge: a theatrically conceptualised photoshoot as a cabaret show. A giant cup of Thai ice tea greets the queens, as they are joined by members of the pit crew. Photographing them is Surachai, who is also embodying the tea theme, painted in a delicate blue china print and outfit to match. While some are hesitant to get into the icy cold waters, others have photoshoot experience and excel with no problems. Pangina is part encouraging and part making them question if their photos are good. The winner of the mini-challenge is Spicy Sunshine; rightfully so, as she dunked her whole head and body into the icy cold waters.
For the first maxi-challenge, it’s time for The Talent Show. A chance for everyone to see the casts charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. As the The Talent Show segment begins, Pangina comes out with possibly one of the most stunning pink outfits I’ve seen grace the runway. Here to sit and judge this week is previous host Art Arya re-joining to give her words of wisdom, and is joined by Sha, Pompam Niti, Lukkade Metinee, and special guest Ying Rhatha.
Nane Spehra kicks off the talent show by lip-syncing to an original song about her drag origins. Living up to her name of hot sauce, Srirahsa Hotsauce is out belly dancing, complete with a fiery background. From there, let’s just say that the talent show had some hits and some big misses. Frankie Wonga provided a comedy routine of “Can you smell that?” in which she costume revealed numerous noses on her body. For me, the weirdness that the judges loved made little sense to me. Siam Phussi’s vision flew over many of our heads as she mixed interpretative dance with boxer background and hairdressing. It was simply bizarre, and the camera panning to the judges sat in disbelief and in stunned silence. This is TV at its finest.
In keeping with the drink theme, the category is World, Wild, Wet! Out first is Gigi, and she is stunning, dripping in sparkly droplets resembling water. Her skin is so shimmery and glowing. It’s truly stunning. Srirasha Hotsauce looks so disgusting in the best way, describing her look as a mix between two lovely bodily fluids. I love that half of the queens used the prompt to appear gorgeous and glam, while the other was naked and innuendo-laden. In the critiques, the judges do not hold back on their thoughts and feelings. Pangina tells Kara that her outfit resembles a used condom. Lovely. Time for the winner of this week’s challenge, and the first Ru badge of the season goes to: Frankie Wonga.
The bottom two, Shortgun and Srirasha Hotsauce, lip-sync to Pee Surah Rahtree by 2002 Rhatree. I’d be sad to see either go home, and they put up a good fight. It’s also funny to see someone dressed as a split-open oyster and the other drenched in ‘bodily fluids’ vogue across the mainstage—only on Drag Race. The good news is we have a double Shantay. Pangina understands the pressure and wants everyone to have fun while also learning a lesson to improve for week two.
So, the six years were worth it, right? Catch Drag Race Thailand every Wednesday at 5am PT//7am ET on @wowpresentsplus worldwide.
And yes, you did see right—a Tongue Thai’d teaser for a brand-new season is coming this December! Stay tuned!
