Eighty of the most ravishing men and former men in Thailand are dusting off their most exquisite gowns, and practicing their walks and waves ahead of the Miss Tiffany's Universe pageant on March 31.

Judged on the basis of talent, beauty and personality, the contest carries a kitty of 100,000 baht, a diamond necklace, a cruise vacation, a trophy, and a remarkably large crown.

But for many contestants, the real draw is the chance to go to Los Angeles, USA, to compete in the Miss Queen of the Universe contest. Last year's Miss Tiffany's Universe, Chanya Moranon, 21, went on to pile this crown on top of the Miss Tiffany's.

It promises to be a something of a star-studded event. It will be held at Tiffany's Show in Pattaya from 8:30 until 1 a.m. on Saturday the 31, but for those stuck in Bangkok or without the 800 baht admission, the last 2 hours will be broadcast to much of Thailand on ITV.

The program will be hosted by television personalities Chorpaka Viriyanond and Panudej Wattanasuchart, says the Bangkok Post. The judges include people from the magazine and television worlds, make-up artist and model Onnapa Kritsadee, and well-known intellectual Dr Seri Wongmonta. Miss Chanya will, of course, also be on hand.

The televised portion of the event will include interviews with 10 finalists, and the crowning of the winner. The night's entertainment will also include numbers from Tiffany's Universe cabaret shows.

ITV, the network presenting the broadcast, has - or, technically, at least, had - close ties to Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin. The fact that part of the pageant is going out over the airwaves is taken as a step in the right direction; not too long ago, the a previous government issued an edict banning male-to-female transgendered persons from appearing on television.

Beauty pageants are a big deal in Thailand. Miss Pornthip Nakhirankanok, who won the women-only Miss Universe contest 13 years ago, is still quite famous. But in spite of having won the ultimate contest, Miss Chanya told the Post that her life had changed little. She is a university student in Bangkok, studying to be a tour guide.

Women who win contests at this level, in contrast, often have the opportunity to become movie stars and highly-paid models. "I wish society was open enough to allow women and transvestites to enter the same competition," she said, then added, "That would make things interesting."