Bandit (drag queen)

Bandit
บัณฑิต จันทะวัน
Born
Bandit Janthawan

(1985-07-10)10 July 1985
Died26 December 2023(2023-12-26) (aged 38)
Thailand
NationalityThai
Other namesTum[1]
TelevisionDrag Race Thailand (season 2)

Bandit Janthawan (Thai: บัณฑิต จันทะวัน, pronounced [bān.dìt tɕān tʰa.wān]; 10 July 1985 – 26 December 2023), known by the stage name of Bandit, was a Thai drag performer, costume designer, and personal stylist who competed on season 2 of Drag Race Thailand. Bandit created outfits worn by Pangina Heals on the show.[2]

Career

Bandit Janthawan competed as Bandit on the second season of Drag Race Thailand, which aired in 2019.[3] She won the fifth episode's acting challenge, alongside Vanda Miss Joaquim, Angele Anang, Genie, Miss Gimhuay, and Mocha Diva.[4] Bandit and Vanda Miss Joaquim were eliminated on episode 11, placing 4th/5th overall.[5]

As a fashion designer, Bandit released the collection The Men from the Venus in 2011. In addition to designing and sewing, Bandit was able to spin, knit, and process fabric for garments.[6] Bandit was an adjunct lecturer of fashion design at multiple universities, and ran the fashion line Bandit by Bandit.[1]

Personal life and death

Janthawan was born on 10 July 1985,[7] and died in Thailand in December 2023, at the age of 38.[8]

Bandit is the fourth contestant from the Drag Race franchise to die, after Sahara Davenport, Chi Chi DeVayne, and Cherry Valentine. Following the announcement of Bandit's death, Drag Race Thailand judge Pangina Heals and contestants paid tribute on social media, including Angele Anang and Kana Warrior.[8] World of Wonder, the American production company behind Drag Race, also paid tribute to Bandit.[9]

Filmography

Television

List of television credits
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2022 Drag Race Thailand (season 2) Herself/Contestant 4th/5th place [10]

References

  1. ^ a b "Re-Born This Way". Drag Race Thailand. Season 2. Episode 1. 11 January 2019. Kantana Group.
  2. ^ "8 Thai drag queens you should follow this Pride Month and beyond". Lifestyle Asia Bangkok. 18 June 2022. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  3. ^ Haley, Brendan. "Drag Race Thailand Season 2 Is Here—And We're Gagging!". pride.com. Here Media. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  4. ^ "Hollywood Inspirations". Drag Race Thailand. Season 2. Episode 5. 8 February 2019. Kantana Group.
  5. ^ "White Elephants". Drag Race Thailand. Season 2. Episode 11. 22 March 2019. Kantana Group.
  6. ^ "The Men From The Venus -- Bandit 2011 Special Edition for Starry Night". YouTube. 7 February 2011. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  7. ^ @dragracethailand (10 July 2019). "Happy Birthday to "Bandit" ค๊าาาา 🎉🎉 เฮง ๆ รวย ๆ มีความสุขมาก ๆ นะคะ😘❤️" – via Instagram.
  8. ^ a b "'Drag Race Thailand' star Bandit dies at 38". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  9. ^ Robledo, Jordan (26 December 2023). "Drag Race Thailand star Bandit dies, aged 38". Gay Times. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  10. ^ Milligan, Kaitlin. "DRAG RACE THAILAND to Debut on WOW Presents Plus". BroadwayWorld. Archived from the original on 9 August 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2023.