Bandit Janthawan obit

Drag Race Thailand star Bandit dies at age 38

Pangina Heals tells EW that the Thai drag community is "completely lost" amid the season 2 contestant's death. 

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The RuPaul's Drag Race franchise has lost a member of its global family, as EW can confirm that Drag Race Thailand season 2 star Bandit has died at age 38.

More details surrounding Bandit's death were not immediately available, though several sources close to the situation tell EW that Bandit died Tuesday in Thailand, nearly five years after first appearing on Drag Race Thailand's second season in January 2019. Bandit — a skilled fashion designer known for dazzling looks on the runway — ultimately placed fourth on the show, finishing behind eventual season winner Angele Anang.

"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 cohost and UK vs. the World contestant Pangina Heals tells EW via phone, shortly after learning about Bandit's death. "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."

Pangina adds that she wants Bandit to be remembered as a "professional person," after working with the fashion-minded queen for years on a variety of designs. "Every single person who knows about the news today has been unable to function. I want her to know that she's so loved, and we are still in shock."

In addition to Pangina, Bandit's longtime friend and fellow Drag Race contestant, Kana Warrior, shared a statement online, expressing her sadness over her friend's death.

"I respect everything, respect you and your decision," Kana wrote in Thai on her Instagram Story, according to a translation provided by the social platform. "Miss you so much."

Angele also posted a message to her Instagram Story, writing that she was "sending love" to her season 2 sisters amid news of Bandit's death.

EW has reached out to Thai authorities and Drag Race Thailand production company World of Wonder for more information.

Bandit is the fourth Drag Race contestant to have died since the franchise began airing nearly 15 years ago, following the deaths of season 2 contestant Sahara Davenport in 2012, season 8 and All Stars 3 queen Chi Chi DeVayne in 2020, and Drag Race UK competitor Cherry Valentine in 2022.