An Unlikely Politician

The legal troubles that Tanwarin has endured for her art ultimately drove her to join the country’s political arena.

In an interview, Tanwarin said that beyond its entertainment value, the film is an important way to tell stories on what it’s like as an LGBT living in Thailand, which she considers as a highly-patriarchal society.

It is as important for Tanwarin to get the message across. This is why she decided to run for a slot in the parliament. And although there’d still be a few weeks to wait before winners will be proclaimed, the trans politician already has a clear objective once she gets her seat.

In a separate interview, the 45-year-old said she intends to advocate amendments of Thailand’s Film and Video Act.

At The Forefront

Being the first ever transgender MP in the House of Representatives means more than just making history. Tanwarin is now viewed especially among her peers and supporters as someone who is at the front of a new political generation. Needless to say, politics in the kingdom was once dominated either by the elite, members of the military, or those with alleged close ties to the royal family.

Her landslide win in this year’s national election also tells about the Thai people’s hunger for true democracy and fair representation.