AYUTTHAYA: Thirty-one contestants took to the stage on late Saturday (December 19) to compete for the popular Miss Jumbo Queen beauty pageant in Thailand’s ancient city of Ayutthaya.

Sakowdeuan Sarikul, 20-year-old participant, hope she will be the winner.

“I would like to show off my talents so people can see that even though I am fat I can do everything like any other slim women. I would also like to make some friends and participate in the event,” said Sakowdeuan, weighing in at 143 kilogrammes.

The contestants, all weighing at least 80 kilogrammes, wore traditional Thai costumes, performed in a talent contest, answer questions about health and social issues.

The organizer said the contest aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle and well-being for the overweight women.

Prior to the pageant, the contestants had to take slimming and beauty course. Those who lost some weight would get a higher score during the contest.

“Normally, people think that organizing an overweight pageant is the way to make fun of those people and to entertain other people. But we do not think like that,” said Wimol Chaiwat, the event organiser.

The Miss Jumbo Queen was chosen by the judges based on her appearance, performance, answers in an interview session and weight loss during the preparation session.

Hundreds of visitors flocked into the Ayutthaya’s city hall to cheer their contestants, carrying placards with number and name of the contestants on it.

Korawan Sukornkeyoon who weighed in at 85.7 kilogrammes was announced as the Miss Jumbo Queen.

She received 30,000 baht ($882 U.S. dollars), exercising equipment and ongoing slimming treatment courses.