Trixie Maristela from the Philippines was crowned Miss International Queen 2015 at the world's largest transgender beauty pageant held late Friday in Pattaya.
The 29-year-old graduate of the University of Philippines receives the crown adorned with real gems from last year's winner Isabella Santiago from Venezuela, the prize money of 400,000 baht and the option of free cosmetic surgery in Bangkok.
The first runner-up was Valesca Dominik Ferraz from Brazil and the second runner-up was Sopida Siriwattananukoon from Thailand.
- Photo gallery: Transgender pageant
Twenty-seven contestants from 17 countries participated in the event formatted much like other beauty pageants with a talent and a swimsuit portion.
Miss International Queen, organised by Thailand's transgender cabaret show Tiffany's, is held annually in the beach resort city of Pattaya and aims to create transgender rights awareness among international communities.
Since its start in 2014, past winners include contestants from Thailand, the United States, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Venezuela and the Philippines.
Newly crowned Miss International Queen 2015, Trixie Maristela (front centre), first runner-up Valesca Dominik Ferraz from Brazil (front left) and second runner-up Sopida Siriwattananukoon from Thailand (front right). (EPA photo)
