Bandit Janthawanm, known by most as Drag Race Thailand star Bandit, has passed away at the age of 38.
According to Entertainment Weekly, a source close to the beloved talent confirmed that he died on 26 December. As of this writing, a cause of death has yet to be announced.
“We’re all completely lost because Bandit has been a light. He has taught me. I would not be the same person I am today without Bandit teaching me about fashion,” Drag Race Thailand host Pangina Heals explained in a statement to the aforementioned news out.
“He’s been such a visionary, such a giver. He’s always telling other people, ‘You can do this’ or ‘Do that to be better,’ in terms of making sure other people have their fashion game on. He was such a funny person, such charisma, such magnetism, and without him, all of us don’t know what to do.”
Bandit first rose to international fame after he competed on the second season of Drag Race Thailand.
During his run on the series, the fashion-forward creative made waves with his stunning runway ensembles and acting challenge win – which helped him land a spot in the top five.
In addition to strutting across the Drag Race stage, Bandit was also a successful fashion designer and personal stylist.
According to Lifestyle Asia, the reality TV star was responsible for many of Pangina’s outfits seen on Drag Race Thailand.
Since the tragic news made headlines, fans have flocked to social media to share tributes for Bandit.
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One fan on X (formerly known as Twitter) wrote: RIP Bandit. Have a save flight to heaven my queen. It’s unbelievable to me.”
Another user commented: “RIP Bandit. It was amazing to see you compete on Drag Race Thailand, rest easy my love.”
A third fan added: “I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of Drag Race Thailand’s Bandit. She was an iconic queen and an inspiration to many. She will be deeply missed.”
Lastly, World of Wonder paid their respects to Bandit and her legacy with a thoughtful X post.
“We’re heartbroken to learn that Bandit, who competed on the 2nd season of Drag Race Thailand, has passed away,” they wrote.
“Bandit was a light in her local community and internationally, and she will be so missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. Rest in peace, Bandit.”
Bandit is the fourth Drag Race queen to have tragically passed away since the franchise’s inception in 2009, following Sahara Davenport, Chi Chi DeVayne from the US and Drag Race UK’s Cherry Valentine.
Rest in peace, Bandit.
We’re heartbroken to learn that Bandit, who competed on the 2nd season of Drag Race Thailand, has passed away. Bandit was a light in her local community and internationally, and she will be so missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
Rest in peace, Bandit ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rARWPE3ikL
— World of Wonder (@WorldOfWonder) December 26, 2023
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