Drag diva

Pan Pan Narkprasert, also known by his stage name Pangina Heals, has gone on to do bigger things since we first put him on our cover eon ago -- in 2012 to be exact. The UCLA art graduate has become an artistic and creative powerhouse from winning Thailand’s first drag competition T-Battle, giving posing tips to the contestants of The Face Thailand Season 3, hosting gay nights at Maggie Choo’s and, not to mention, countless TV appearances.

Undeniably one of the leading drag divas today, Pangina Heals has wowed people here and abroad with his killer costumes, drop-dead dance moves and larger-than-life attitude. He will co-host and serve as a judge for Drag Race Thailand, the Thai edition and the world’s first i nternational spinoff of RuPaul’s Drag Race, alongside stylist and fashion i con Art Araya Indra. The drag competition will put 10 contestants t hrough different challenges until one true drag superstar emerges. According to Pan Pan, not only the show will surprise and delight Thai public, it will also put Thai drag on the world’s map and, from what we’ve seen of the show, which will premiere via LINE TV on Feb 15, so far, we agree.

How were you chosen as a judge and a cohost of Drag Race Thailand?

I was chosen by Khun Tae Kantana (Piyarat Kaljareuk, Kantana Group’s vice-president). Previously, he chose me to teach posture to the girls in The Face Thailand Season 3. I’ve been doing drag in Thailand and abroad for quite some time. It’s my passion. It’s what I love to do. It’s my goal in life. It’s what makes me and others happy. I feel like I was born to give joy to the world.

Photos from Drag Race Thailand & Pan Pan Narkprasert

How did you feel when you know it’s official?

I p****d my pants and s*** a little. Once it’s official, I just realised it will be the beginning of a great path in my life. I was over the moon.

What are some the difference(s) between the Thai edition and the original? I feel like people shouldn’t compare the original to Drag Race Thailand simply because, once it’s in Thailand, we gonna push Thai culture and what Thai drag queens are like and capable of. We, as Thai people, love our food, temples and long and rich history so we’re going to showcase all of those things. But also we have a liking for fishy (feminine-looking) queens so you can see the talents that we present to you guys as well as different takes on drag artistry as interpreted by our contestants.

What kind of impact do you think the show will have?

The original inspires gay boys around the world who feel different, like me, to be able to dress up in drag and express myself artistically and creatively. Let people know that there are more than two options besides male and female. Someone may belong somewhere between the two and that’s fine. Drag is a creative art and expression that gives you self-love. So, as with RuPaul allowing me to become who I am, I hope the show would do the same for gay men in Thailand — to become inspired and to love themselves. Hopefully it will inspire younger generation in general to love themselves and embrace themselves for their own uniqueness. As Mama Ru said, ‘If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?’

What are some of the misconceptions people have for a drag queen?

Some often think drag queens and transgenders are similar. They’re not. Transwomen are born male but inside they feel women. Drag is about performance and it doesn’t matter what do you have down there. You can identity yourself however and do drag. Because drag is a creative expression. Think Lady Gaga. She’s technically a drag queen. Peppermint (the runner up of RuPaul’s Drag

Race Season 9) is a transwoman who’s also a drag queen. People may think drag queens are gay men who impersonate women for art or money but it transcends beyond that.

What are you looking for in Thailand’s next drag superstar?

We’re looking for charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent like the original. We’re looking for someone who can inspire a generation. Someone who’s different and not afraid to be themselves and I believe we can find that someone in our show.

You’ve been hosting gay nights at Maggie Choo’s but this is your first TV hosting gig. Do you find it challenging?

It’s not because they pay me. Good coins, too. If I’m getting paid, I can do whatever you want me to do. You have money, I have the talent.

Shangela (a contestant in season 2, 3 and All Stars Season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race) congratulated you in a chat. Have anyone else from the original show reached out to you personally? Shangela was very sweet. She went to Maggie Choo’s and I got to meet her. Vivacious from New York also reached out to me to welcome me into the family. Courtney Act from season 6 also gave me some tips. Manila Luzon (from season 3 and All Stars 1) said she wanted to be a guest-judge, which was such a honour because she inspired me so much with her crazy looks and amazing lip sync skills.