Thailand Transfixed by Transvestite Pageant

I can't imagine this goes over too well with the headchoppers in the restive southern portion of Thailand. Apparently, though, it's a blockbuster on television.

A teenage transvestite who grew up on a military base was crowned Thailand's most beautiful transvestite late Friday, in an extravagant annual pageant which transfixed the nation.

Kangsadarn Wongdusadeekul, known by her stage name "Nonk," cried as she accepted her Miss Tiffany crown from last year's winner.

Nonk, 19, particularly impressed the panel of judges with her question round.

Asked if she would be happy to join the army as a man, she told the audience: "Last year I went to register as a soldier but my figure had changed so the government did not let me.

"We are beautiful -- so we have no need to be soldiers," she said, getting the biggest laugh of the night.

Her win brings considerable financial reward: 100,000 baht (3,200 US dollars) -- equivalent to a year's wages for a factory worker -- and a Honda car.