Lo Colby Crowned Miss International Queen 2026

Lo Colby, a 34-year-old Thai-American, was crowned Miss International Queen 2026 in Pattaya, Thailand, on September 19. She triumphed over 26 contestants to become the 20th queen of the competition. The first runner-up was Theerachaya Pimkitidaj from Thailand, while Saki Iwai of Japan secured second runner-up. Vietnamese model Minh Anh made it to the top 12 and won the "Most Sexy Figure" subsidiary award. Colby, who was born and raised in Hawaii, with a Thai mother, stated that returning to her mother's homeland to participate in Miss International Queen held significant meaning. She credits her upbringing in Hawaii for shaping her mindset and personality, emphasizing the freedom to express herself and the lessons from her mother on respecting differences and avoiding hasty judgments. Colby garnered attention from the start of the competition in early September, frequently appearing in the top predictions of beauty pageant analysis sites. She is noted for her angular features, tanned skin, and a makeup style often featuring earthy tones, emphasizing her eyes, paired with long, wavy hair. During the swimwear segment of the semi-finals on September 17, Colby revealed that her preparation for the pageant spanned over a year, encompassing physical training, stage skills, and interview techniques. She maintained a fitness regimen of about four workouts per week, combining cardio and strength training, alongside a strict diet, according to Hotspots Magazine. At the pageant, she also won the "Talent Award" and the "Most Influential Social Media" award presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Through videos shared from Bangkok, Hua Hin, and Pattaya, Colby introduced Thailand's culture, people, and destinations with the message "Unforgettable Thailand: A Safe Space for All." Colby has a penchant for form-fitting, cut-out, or embellished designs that accentuate her curves. Before her pageant career, she was active for many years as a drag queen in Los Angeles, viewing the stage as a space to explore her style, confidence, and connection with the audience. Colby was mentored by Miss International Queen 2012 Sasha Colby and was the winner of the 15th season of the American reality competition "RuPaul's Drag Race." In an interview with Socialite Life, she shared that one of the key lessons learned from Sasha was the importance of relying on one's own charisma and personality rather than over-performing on stage. She also learned Sasha's professional work ethic. In addition to her entertainment pursuits, Colby works in technology, business, and content creation. She previously established an event company and produced programs for the drag community in Los Angeles. Colby has overcome personal challenges, including a period of struggle with alcohol, which she began addressing at age 25. She views this decision as a pivotal moment that transformed her life. Whenever she faces self-doubt or questions her abilities, she reflects on her past struggles for motivation, according to Snack Size Podcast. Colby also admitted to having felt inadequate while building her career in Los Angeles. However, she gradually learned to accept her insecurities and focus on her strengths, as reported by Socialite Life. Drawing from her corporate experience, Colby is passionate about career opportunities and financial independence for transgender individuals. She developed the "Negotiate Your Narrative" project, aimed at assisting the LGBTQ+ community with interview skills, workplace environments, salary negotiations, and career development. In her personal life, Colby embraces a modern and feminine image. She currently resides in West Hollywood, California. In an interview following her Miss International Queen 2026 win, Colby stated her ambition to use her title to promote opportunities for transgender women, asserting that they can excel in diverse fields, from arts and business to community leadership.