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Engfa Waraha
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Engfa Waraha (Thai: อิงฟ้า วราหะ, RTGS: Ingfa Waraha, pronounced [ʔīŋ.fáː wá(ʔ).rāː.hàʔ]; born February 15, 1995) is a Thai musician, beauty pageant titleholder and actress.[3][4][5] She appeared in the seventh season of The Voice Thailand.[3][6][7] In 2022, she won Miss Grand Thailand 2022 representing Bangkok.[3][8][9] Later that year, she represented Thailand at Miss Grand International 2022, held in Indonesia on 25 October, where she finished as first runner-up.[10][11]

Key Information

In 2024, she starred in the movie The Paradise of Thorns, which broke the 150M baht box office record[12] and earned her the Best Actress of the Year award at the 2025 Thailand Box Office Awards.[13] Her performance and advocacy work gained international recognition, including an honor at the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation the Women in Cinema Gala held during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.[14] Her efforts also sparked important discourse around LGBTQ rights in Thailand.[15]

Early life and career

[edit]

Waraha was born on 15 February 1995 in Uthai Thani province into a family of musicians;[1] her father was a keyboardist and her mother was a luk thung (Thai pop-country) singer. She has 2 older sisters, Keytawan and Plaifa (also known as Daaddaew).[3][5][16][4]

Since she was born into a musical family, Waraha was able to learn musical skills from her parents, and began performing on stage at the age of six.[3][4][17] Moreover, her acquaintance and closeness with hometown traditions since childhood inspired her to dream of becoming a Likay, as well as a Thai blessing ceremonial officiant (Thai: ช่างทำขวัญ).[6][18] At the age of 17, due to her father's terminal cancer, she signed a 12-year contract with the Bangkok-based artist management organ Sangravee Entertainment to pay for her father's cancer treatment,[19][20][21] and released four singles; two in 2015 and the rest in 2016.[19] Later in 2013, a year after her father's death, she had the opportunity to meet with a master of the Thai blessing ceremony Phonraphee Maneethai (Thai: พรระพี มณีไทย) who later persuaded her to study to be an officiant skill, as well as a Thai verse singing (Thai: ขับเสภา) until proficient enough to be able to use it for a career.[3][5][18] In addition, before entering the national entertainment industry, she also worked as a waitress, greengrocer, food vendor, caddie, and model.[7][22]

Waraha became known as Engfa Sangravee after participating in the seventh season of the reality singing contest The Voice Thailand in 2018. She was eliminated in the knockout round, of the second phase of the contest.[3][6][7] Since then, she has appeared in several TV programs, such as a guest appearance in the situation comedy Pen Tor and Raberd Terd Terng, as well as taking part in many game show programmes, such as 123 Ranking Show, Still Standing Thailand, and Guess My Age.[3]

Pageantry

[edit]

In 2020, Waraha entered the Miss Grand Suphanburi contest, a provincial preliminary pageant for Miss Grand Thailand, but withdraw due to contractual problems.[3][8][6][19][20][21] She returned to pageantry in 2022 and won Miss Grand Bangkok 2022.[3][4][6] She then went on to win Miss Grand Thailand 2022.[3][8][9] She also took part in Miss Grand International 2022 and was first runner-up.

Recognition

[edit]

Women In Cinema Spotlight

[edit]

In May 2025, Thai actress Engfa Waraha was honored at the prestigious Women in Cinema Gala, hosted by the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Held at the iconic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, the gala spotlighted seven women from the Arab world, Africa, and Asia who have made significant contributions to the film and entertainment industries.

Waraha was celebrated for her breakout role as Meena in the 2023 television series Show Me Love, followed by acclaimed performances in Bangkok Blossom (2024) as Kulap and delivered a standout performance as Mo Jongyoi in The Paradise of Thorns (2024), The film was a major box office success and earned her the Best Actress of the Year award at the 2025 Thailand Box Office Awards,[13] as well as a runner-up position for Best Actress at the 14th Thai Film Director Awards.[23]

Her growing body of work includes roles in Petrichor (2024) as Tul Chanwimol, along with appearances Unlimited Love and The Tipsy Mystery, further showcasing her versatility across genres.

Her recognition at Cannes coincided with the announcement of her upcoming film Lady Bee, a cinematic adaptation of the Thai literary classic The Story of Jan Dara. The project is currently being marketed international by Mokster Films.

With her expanding filmography and critically recognized performances, Engfa Waraha is fast becoming one of the most compelling actress of her generation.

The Women in Cinema initiative, now in its third year, aims to celebrate female storytellers and creators who are redefining the film industry. Waraha’s inclusion marked a milestone for Thai representation on the global stage, alongside fellow honorees such as Elham Ali, Jacqueline Fernandez, Gaya Jiji, Amina Khalil, Rungano Nyoni, and Sarah Taibah.[14]

Filmography

[edit]

Movies

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2024 The Paradise of Thorns Mo Jongyoi
2026 Lady Bee[24] Khun Boonleung,Lady Bee
2026 Mal Malee

Television series

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2023 Show Me Love Meena
2024 Club Friday Hot Love Issue Night Episode Love Bully
Bangkok Blossom

บางกอกคณิกา

Kulap
Petrichor Tul Chanwimol
2025 The Tipsy Mystery Ping
Unlimited Love Phlu
The Water "Nam" Apo Wathinwanit

Lady Bee at Cannes Film Festival 2025

[edit]

In May 2025, Waraha was featured at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where her upcoming film Lady Bee was officially announced during the Cannes Market. Although Lady Bee was not part of the official screening line up, its unveiling generated significant buzz due to its bold narrative shift and the casting of Engfa Waraha. It directed by Rutaiwan Wongsirasawad and Thanika Jenjesda, the film is a feminist reinterpretation of The Story of Jan Dara, a Thai literary classic by Utsana Phloengtham. Waraha stars as Lady Boonleung, also known as Lady Bee, a character reimagined as the central figure in a narrative exploring identity, desire, and power.

The announcement coincided with Waraha’s recognition at the Women in Cinema Gala, hosted by the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation, which honored seven women from Asia, Africa, and the Arab world for their contributions to cinema. Lady Bee is scheduled to begin principal photography in late 2025, with a global release expected in 2026.[24]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
Miss Grand Bangkok 2022 Miss Grand Bangkok — Won
Miss Grand Thailand 2022 Miss Grand Thailand — Won
Miss Grand International 2022 Miss Grand International — 1st Runner-up
TikTok Awards Thailand 2022 Best Live Creator Ent. & Music Won
Celebrity of the Year Won
Kazz Awards 2022 Most Trending on Social Media Won
Best Girl of the Year Won
Kom Chad Luek Awards 2022 Best Female Artist - Cover Folk Music Won
TV Pool Stars Party Retire & Reborn 2022 Celebrity of the Year Won
Couple of the Year (Englot) Won
The Idol Awards 2022 The Idol Award Won
Thairath Best Of The Year 2022 Celebrity of the Year Won
Entertainment News of the Year Won
Couple of the Year (Englot) Won
Sanook Top Of The Year 2022 Inspirational Woman of the Year Won
Beauty Queen College Awards 2022 Queen of the Year Won
Most Fans Favorite Won
Maya TV Awards 2023 Charming Woman of the Year Won
Kazz Awards 2023 Shining Star of the Year Won
Sanook 2023 Most Talked About of the Year Won
Miss Grand 2023 Grand Voice Award Won
Siamrath Online Awards 2023 Couple of the Year (Englot) Won
The National Council On Social Welfare Thailand 2024 Royal Award | Grateful Child Award —
EFM Awards 2024 The Rival Couple of the Year (Engfa-Jeff) Won
HOWE Awards 2024 Hottest Actress Award Won [25]
Thailand Headline Person Of The Year Awards 2024 Most Popular Actress in Thailand & China Won [26]
Daily News Awards 2024 D-Superstar Award Won [27]
Likay Festival Soft Power Awards 2024 Soft Power Award | The Miracle of Life Foundation —
Nineentertain Awards 2024 People Choice Award | Mahachon Award Nominated
Cinefile Audience Awards 2025 Best Leading Actress The Paradise of Thorns Won [28][better source needed]
Sanook Top Of The Year 2025 Actress of the Year Won [29]
13th Thailand Social Awards 2025 Best Creator Performance on Social Media - Actor & Actress Won [30]
Thailand Box Office Awards 2025 Best Actress of the Year The Paradise of Thorns Won [31]
Thailand Box Office Awards 2025 Best Actress of the Year Bangkok Blossom Nominated [32]
4th The People Awards 2025 Popular of the Year Won [33]
Maya TV : Superstar Idol Awards 2025 Hot Star Female Idol of the Year Won [34][better source needed]
14th Thai Film Director Awards 2025 Best Actress in Leading Role The Paradise of Thorns Runner-up [35][better source needed]
The Viral Hits Awards 2025 Best Yuri Couple of the Year (Englot) Won
16th Nataraj Awards 2025 Best Actress in Leading Role Bangkok Blossom[citation needed] Nominated [36]
Nineentertain Awards 2025 People Choice Award | Mahachon Award Nominated
Best Actress of the Year Won [37]
21st Kom Chad Luek Awards 2025 Best Actress in Film The Paradise of Thorns Won [38]
21st Baannang Klang Lakorn Awards 2025 Best Actress in Leading Role The Paradise of Thorns Nominated [39][better source needed]
Kazz Awards 2025 People Of The Year Won [40][better source needed]
Thailand Y Content Awards 2025 Best Leading Actress Petrichor The Series Nominated [41]
People's Choice Award Nominated [42]
Trust Gu Thai Film Awards 2025 Best Actress in Leading Role The Paradise of Thorns Nominated [43]
FEED x Khaosod Awards 2025 Girl Love Best Leading Actress Petrichor The Series Nominated [44]
Popular Actress of the Year Nominated [45]
Suphannahong National Film Awards 2025 Best Actress The Paradise of Thorns Nominated [46]
HOWE Awards 2025 Hottest Actress Award Nominated
The 50 Influential People Won
Thairath Best Of The Year 2025 Actor of the Year Pending
The Viral Hits Awards 2025 Best Leading Actress of the Year Pending

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Engfa Waraha

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

(born 15 February 1995) is a Thai actress, singer, model, and beauty queen.
Born in to a family of musicians, Waraha initially pursued a career as a before entering the industry through singing and beauty pageants.
She gained national prominence by winning representing and placing as first runner-up at in .
Transitioning to acting, Waraha starred in the series The Paradise of Thorns (2024), earning honors at both the Thailand Box Office Awards and the Kom Chad Luek Awards in 2025 for her performance.
Her multifaceted career also includes music releases and serving as manager for starting in 2024.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Engfa Waraha was born on February 15, 1995, in , , into a family deeply involved in music. She is the youngest of three sisters, with older sisters named Kitawan (meaning "rising sun") and Plai Fa (meaning "clouds and sky"), while her name Engfa means "little fairy," as chosen by her father. Her father worked as a , and her mother was a singer, a genre of Thai country-pop music. This household environment provided Waraha with early immersion in musical performance and instruments, influencing her foundational interest in singing from childhood. Raised in Uthai Thani amid her parents' artistic pursuits, Waraha's upbringing emphasized creativity and stage presence, as her family's professions involved regular musical engagements. Limited public details exist on specific childhood challenges, but the musical lineage directly contributed to her later endeavors in entertainment.

Academic pursuits

Waraha attended Uthai Wittayakhom School in Uthai Thani District for her . She later pursued tertiary studies at Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage in , , enrolling in a program. In October 2022, during her participation in , she was in her fourth and final year of undergraduate studies. Waraha completed her degree at the institution following her pageantry commitments.

Entry into entertainment

Participation in The Voice Thailand

Waraha competed in the seventh season of , which aired in 2018 on , under the stage name Engfa Sangravee. During the blind auditions on December 17, 2018, she performed "Yak Jer Kon Jing Jai" ("อยากเจอคนจริงใจ"), earning a turn from coach and joining his team. She advanced to the knockout rounds, where contestants perform in trios and coaches select one to proceed. However, Waraha withdrew from the competition during this phase due to a contractual dispute with her management. This early exit marked the end of her run, as she did not progress further toward the live shows or finals. Her performance received positive reception for its emotional delivery and vocal control, accumulating over 26 million views on by 2024. The appearance provided her initial exposure in the Thai entertainment industry, establishing her as an emerging singer prior to her later pursuits in pageantry and acting.

Initial modeling and singing endeavors

Waraha initiated her modeling career in 2012 at age 17 by signing a 12-year contract with Sangravee Entertainment, a Bangkok-based artist management firm, to fund her father's cancer treatment costs. This arrangement facilitated her professional entry into modeling gigs, which she balanced with other survival jobs such as caddying at golf courses and operating a food stall. The contract also positioned her for broader entertainment exposure, leading to her stage name Engfa Sangravee after her The Voice Thailand appearance, though her modeling work predated that visibility. Her singing pursuits stemmed from an early aptitude honed in a musical household, where her father played keyboard and her mother performed (Thai ). She first competed publicly at age six in a local contest, marking her initial foray into performance. Under the Sangravee contract, Waraha advanced her vocal efforts by recording and releasing singles, leveraging the agency's resources to build a modest discography before shifting focus to pageantry in 2022. These early releases, though not charting major hits, represented her professional debut amid financial hardships.

Pageantry career

Miss Grand Thailand 2022

Engfa Waraha represented in the competition, the tenth edition of the national pageant organized to select Thailand's delegate for . The event took place on April 30, 2022, at Show DC Hall in , featuring contestants from Thailand's provinces and the capital in segments including , , and question-and-answer rounds. Waraha, then 27 years old and standing at 170 cm, competed as a professional singer with prior entertainment experience, emphasizing her background in music and public performances during the contest. At the conclusion, she was crowned the winner by the outgoing titleholder, securing the right to represent internationally. This victory marked her transition from domestic entertainment to international pageantry, highlighting her poise and advocacy for cultural and artistic causes.

Miss Grand International 2022

Waraha, having been crowned on April 30, 2022, represented at the tenth edition of , held on October 25, 2022, at the Sentul International Convention Center in , . The event featured contestants from over 60 countries competing in preliminary rounds, including , , and segments, culminating in the grand final where national directors and a panel of judges selected the top placements based on poise, intelligence, and advocacy for peace. During the finale, Waraha advanced through the top placements and was announced as the 1st Runner-Up, with Brazil's crowned Miss Grand International 2022, Indonesia's Andina Julie as 2nd Runner-Up, Venezuela's as 3rd Runner-Up, and Czech Republic's Mariana Bečková as 4th Runner-Up. Her achievement marked Thailand's highest placement in the pageant's history at that time, highlighting her performance in the competition's creative segments and Q&A, where contestants addressed global issues such as .

Post-pageantry commitments and exit

Following her placement as 1st runner-up at on October 25, Waraha resumed her responsibilities as , which encompassed public engagements, brand endorsements, and promotional activities aligned with the pageant's anti-war advocacy platform. These duties extended through the end of her one-year term, during which she maintained visibility through media appearances and performances. On September 20, 2022, Waraha disclosed via that she had departed from the Miss Grand organization's facilities for several days without prior managerial consent, citing personal needs but expressing remorse for the lapse in protocol. This incident highlighted tensions in adhering to organizational expectations amid her concurrent entertainment pursuits. Waraha's tenure concluded on April 29, 2023, at the finals in , where she delivered a farewell address reflecting on her experiences before crowning the successor, Aoom Supapong Udompoch. This standard handover marked her formal exit from the titleholder role, allowing a shift toward independent career development in and .

Acting career

Transition to film and television

Following her runner-up finish at in October of that year, Engfa Waraha shifted focus from pageantry to acting, entering the field professionally in 2023. Her television debut came with the role of in the Thai series Show Me Love, a performance that established her presence in the industry and drew acclaim for its emotional depth. This transition leveraged her public visibility from pageantry, allowing her to secure roles that highlighted her versatility beyond modeling and singing. Waraha's early acting pursuits emphasized dramatic roles in Thai lakorn (soap operas) and series, building on her prior entertainment exposure from in 2018. By 2024, she expanded into film with her debut as Hom Jongyoi in The Paradise of Thorns, a romantic drama directed by Naruebet Kuno, co-starring Jeff Satur; the project marked her first feature-length role and contributed to her growing reputation in Thai cinema. Subsequent television work, including Blossom in 2024, further solidified her pivot, with the series showcasing her in ensemble casts amid Thailand's competitive GL (girls' love) genre landscape. These initial projects, produced primarily by Thai networks like Channel 3, reflected a strategic move to capitalize on her pageant fame for scripted narratives rather than reality formats. The timing of her entry aligned with post-pageantry contract fulfillments, after which she pursued formal training and auditions, though specific agency affiliations remain unconfirmed in records. Her rapid progression from supporting parts to lead roles by mid-2024 demonstrated audience appeal, evidenced by viewership metrics and early award nods, such as considerations for The Paradise of Thorns. This phase underscored a broader trend among Thai beauty queens transitioning to media via high-visibility pageants, prioritizing narrative-driven content over variety shows.

Key roles and projects

Waraha's breakout acting role was as Meena in the 2023 Thai lakorn series Show Me Love, a romantic drama that aired on Channel 3 and highlighted her transition from pageantry to television, earning her initial acclaim for portraying a determined young woman navigating love and family conflicts. In 2024, she portrayed Rose (also known as Kulap or Honey) in the eight-episode series Bangkok Blossom, a period drama set in 1950s Thailand focusing on forbidden romance and societal pressures, which streamed on platforms like iQiyi and received praise for her nuanced depiction of a resilient florist entangled in intrigue. She further expanded her portfolio with the lead role of Tul Chanwimol in the 2024 crime thriller , a 10-episode series on Channel 3 where she played a sharp investigative officer uncovering corruption and personal betrayals, noted for intensifying her action-oriented screen presence. That same year, Waraha headlined the film The Paradise of Thorns, a dramatic feature exploring themes of ambition and moral ambiguity in a competitive environment, marking her first major cinematic lead. Additional television projects included Ping in The Tipsy Mystery (2024), a mystery series involving supernatural elements and interpersonal tensions, and a guest appearance in Club Friday Hot Love Issue: Love Bully (2024), a segment delving into obsessive relationships. By mid-2025, she was cast as the lead in the upcoming Lady Bee produced by Mokster Films, a project announced at the focusing on themes of empowerment and resilience, with production slated to emphasize her international appeal. These roles collectively showcased her versatility across genres, from romance and thriller to , solidifying her status in Thai entertainment.

International exposure

Waraha's role in the 2024 Thai film The Paradise of Thorns, where she portrayed a family member entangled in inheritance disputes following her brother's death, marked her entry into international film circuits. The film premiered internationally at the 2024 (TIFF) on , drawing attention for its exploration of queer rights and familial betrayal in rural . It subsequently screened at the 17th and the Hawai'i International Film Festival, earning praise for its operatic and Waraha's performance alongside Jeff Satur. In 2025, Waraha attended the , where her upcoming lead role in Lady Bee—a female-centric of the Thai novel The Story of Jan Dara directed by Dream Thanika Jenjesda—was unveiled by Mokster Films. The project, emphasizing a bold reimagining through a woman's perspective, positioned her for broader global visibility at the prestigious event. During Cannes, Waraha received recognition from the Red Sea Film Foundation's Women in Cinema Gala for her rising influence in Thai cinema, highlighted by her acclaimed performances in series like Show Me Love and films addressing social issues. This honor, shared with international filmmakers, underscored her advocacy for diverse narratives and in . She has expressed ambitions for collaborations with to expand her reach beyond Thai productions.

Music and other ventures

Musical releases and performances

Waraha first gained singing exposure through her appearance on the seventh season of The Voice Thailand in 2018, where she performed "Yak Jer Kon Jing Jai" (อยากเจอคนจริงใจ) during the blind auditions and advanced under coach Joey Boy. Following her pageantry achievements, Waraha signed with Miss Grand International Public Company Limited (MGI PCL) and released her debut single "The One and Only" on April 1, 2024, marking her first original track under the label. Later that year, she contributed the theme song "A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย" to the soundtrack of the Thai series Petrichor, released on November 20, 2024, in collaboration with Charlotte Austin. In 2025, she issued the single "โชคดีที่มีเธอ" (Chok Dee Tee Mee Tur), available on major streaming platforms. Additional releases include the duet "Unlimited Love" with Charlotte Austin and covers such as "ติดว้าวล้าวอ่ะ (WoW WoW WoW)". Waraha's live performances have primarily occurred at MGI-affiliated events and fan gatherings, featuring both original material and covers. She debuted "The One and Only" live at an MGI event shortly after its release. Notable appearances include duets with Charlotte Austin at the Grand Concert in Phuket on March 22, 2024, and a special joint performance with Jeff Satur at the WARATIN event on July 18, 2024. Her first solo concert, titled "Engfa Waraha Reborn Live in ," took place on October 27, 2024, at Dreamland, showcasing a setlist of originals and popular covers like "Shallow." She also performed at the 2025 finals, delivering a set highlighted for its energy.

Modeling and endorsements


Waraha entered the modeling industry at age 17 to help fund her father's cancer treatment, undertaking modeling assignments alongside roles as a caddie and food vendor, which led to a 12-year contract with the Bangkok-based management firm Sangravee Entertainment. Post her Miss Grand Thailand 2022 victory, Waraha leveraged her visibility for endorsements, serving as for the platform's 9.9 Super Shopping Day campaign launched on September 8, 2023, generating significant hashtag engagement exceeding expectations. In 2024, she was named for LAKAMO, a role highlighted in official announcements. Waraha has also served as a long-term presenter for Citra Thailand's AHA Thanaka skincare line, appearing in recent advertisement campaigns. Waraha maintains an active portfolio of brand presentations, with multiple contracts rotating annually; in November 2024, she noted that observers might notice shifts in promoted products signaling contract expirations, and referenced securing at least four new brands within two months. Her modeling extends to fashion events and red carpet appearances, such as at the in May 2025, where she modeled outfits drawing public commentary. These activities complement her influencer work, including high-volume livestream sales partnerships.

Awards and recognition

Pageantry accolades

Engfa Waraha competed as the representative of in the national pageant, held on April 30, 2022, at Show DC Hall in , where she was crowned the winner, succeeding Indy Johnson of . This victory qualified her to represent at the international pageant, hosted in on October 25, 2022, where she placed as 1st Runner-Up, behind winner Isabella Novaes Menin of . On April 29, 2023, Waraha crowned her successor, Thaweeporn Phingchamrat, at the event in , marking the conclusion of her reign.

Acting and entertainment awards

Waraha received her first major acting accolades in 2025 for her leading role as Hom Jongyoi in the 2024 Thai film The Paradise of Thorns, a that grossed over 151 million baht at the . Her performance earned her the award at the Thailand Awards 2025. She also won at the 2025 Kom Chad Luek Awards for the same role. At the Nine Entertain Awards 2025, Waraha was named Actress of the Year, recognizing her breakthrough in The Paradise of Thorns. She secured a runner-up position for at the 14th Thai Film Directors Awards. Additionally, the film received the Hottest Film Award at the KAZZ Awards 2025, highlighting its commercial and critical impact. Waraha was nominated for at the National Film Association Awards 2025, though she did not win. These honors marked her transition from pageantry to , with multiple Thai bodies affirming her debut performance's reception.
AwardYearCategoryWorkResult
Thailand Box Office Awards2025The Paradise of ThornsWon
Kom Chad Luek Awards2025The Paradise of ThornsWon
Nine Entertain Awards2025Actress of the YearThe Paradise of ThornsWon
Thai Film Directors Awards (14th)2025The Paradise of ThornsRunner-up
National Film Association Awards2025The Paradise of ThornsNominated
KAZZ Awards2025Hottest FilmThe Paradise of ThornsWon

Recent honors (2024–2025)

In August 2024, Waraha received the Gratitude Daughter Award, recognizing her dedication, love, and respect for her family. Her performance as Hom Jongyoi in the 2024 film The Paradise of Thorns, which grossed over 150 million baht at the box office, earned her several Best Actress accolades in 2025. She won Best Actress in the Thai Film category at the Kom Chad Luek Awards on May 14, 2025. At the Nine Entertain Awards on May 22, 2025, she was named Best Actress of the Year, with highlights of her 2024 acting projects presented during the ceremony. Additionally, she secured Best Actress at the Thailand Box Office Awards for the same role.

Controversies and public criticisms

Fashion and appearance backlash

In April 2023, Engfa Waraha, then reigning , faced public criticism for wearing a high-slit at a that reportedly exposed her , with online commentators deeming the outfit inappropriate for her position as a national beauty queen representative. Similar backlash arose later that month over another daring high-slit dress during promotional events, where detractors argued it clashed with expectations of modesty in Thai pageantry traditions. By May 2023, Engfa encountered further controversy for a see-through bodycon dress paired with a visible black underneath, which highlighted her fair skin and sparked debates on about the ensemble's suitability for public appearances, with some labeling it overly provocative. In 2023, criticism intensified when she performed at bars and restaurants in bikini-like outfits alongside runner-up Charlotte Austin, prompting accusations from audiences that such attire undermined the prestige of her title; Engfa responded publicly that she disregarded the backlash, emphasizing personal choice over public opinion. Engfa's fashion choices continued to draw scrutiny in 2025, notably at the red carpet in May, where netizens described her styling as "lacking glamour" and failing to accentuate her figure, leading to mixed reactions and online debates about her overall presentation. Additional criticism emerged in October 2025 during a hosting event for a swimsuit round, where her revealing outfit with Charlotte Austin was called out by viewers as excessively bold for the Thai context. These incidents reflect recurring tensions between Engfa's bold aesthetic preferences and conservative expectations within Thailand's entertainment and pageantry spheres, though she has maintained that her style aligns with modern global trends.

Professional disputes and organizational conflicts

In 2022, Engfa Waraha faced a from Sangravee Entertainment Co., Ltd., her former artist management firm, alleging breach of a long-term signed during her teenage years to support her father's . The dispute centered on her unauthorized participation in the Miss Grand Suphan Buri contest in May 2020 and subsequent entry into the pageant, actions the agency claimed violated exclusivity clauses. Sangravee sought substantial damages, with reports citing claims exceeding 1 billion for lost opportunities and contract termination penalties. The Civil Court case (Black Case No. P 2889/2022, Red Case No. P 4429/2024) proceeded amid claims that the imposed overly restrictive terms on Waraha's professional autonomy. On February 26, 2025, the court ruled in Waraha's favor, deeming the agreement an "unfair " under Thai laws due to its imbalance and limitations on her rights, and finding no breach on her part. She was absolved of all financial liability, marking a precedent for artist s in . Sangravee Entertainment filed an appeal against the dismissal, prolonging the legal conflict, though no further rulings have been issued as of October 2025. Waraha's legal team described the outcome as a victory for fair labor practices in the entertainment industry. This episode highlighted tensions between emerging talents and management agencies over control of pageant and media careers in .

Statements on geopolitical issues

In July 2025, amid escalating armed clashes along the -Cambodia that began on July 24, Engfa Waraha publicly supported the Thai government's #TruthFromThailand campaign, which sought to promote Thailand's perspective on the and counter Cambodian narratives. Waraha specifically accused of breaching in the conflict, stating on the platform X that public figures have a duty to advocate for truth and justice regardless of backlash. Her remarks drew sharp criticism from Cambodian online communities, leading to the unfollowing of her accounts by some supporters from that country, though they garnered praise from Thai netizens for patriotic resolve. Acknowledging the personal cost, Waraha posted, “I’m aware there’s a price to pay. But I’ve done my best in using my voice and space,” and added, “We can’t give up on and international principles just because we’re afraid of losing support.” She framed her intervention as a moral obligation tied to her public prominence, emphasizing that silence on such matters would undermine accountability. These statements positioned Waraha within a wave of Thai endorsements for the national stance during , which involved disputed border areas with historical precedents dating to French colonial mappings in 1907. No further public comments from Waraha on this or other geopolitical topics, such as broader regional disputes or international conflicts, have been documented as of October 2025.

Personal life

Public identity and relationships

Waraha has publicly identified as bisexual, stating in interviews that she has experienced romantic relationships with both men and women prior to her rise in pageantry and acting. This disclosure occurred during her participation in beauty pageants, where she faced scrutiny over her but affirmed that transcends . Her openness has positioned her as an influential figure in Thailand's LGBTQ+ community, promoting acceptance through public statements and roles in girls' (GL) series that feature narratives. Waraha maintains privacy regarding current romantic partnerships, consistent with contractual restrictions imposed by pageant organizations, including a reported seven-year dating ban discussed by organizer in 2023. Fan speculation frequently centers on her professional and personal closeness with actress Charlotte Austin, her co-star in GL projects such as Show Me Love: The Series (2023) and (2025), where their on-screen chemistry fueled "shipping" within fandoms. The pair has acknowledged mutual romantic feelings and unsuccessful attempts to in the past, attributing challenges to timing and professional demands, but describe their current dynamic as a profound . No verified evidence confirms an ongoing romantic relationship as of October 2025, with sources like celebrity trackers listing her as single.

Philanthropy and interests

Waraha has engaged in charitable donations and events, frequently alongside her supporters. In September 2024, she and members of her contributed 145,000 to aid victims of flooding in . She has donated to foundations supporting vulnerable groups, including one that faced public scrutiny for fund management issues, stating she harbors no resentment toward such organizations provided they aid those in need. Her fan communities have coordinated in her name, such as the Engfa Waraha Official club's initiatives for her January 2025 birthday, which included distributing meal boxes to the homeless and organizing haircut services for underprivileged individuals via ImpactHK in October and December 2024. In December 2024, Waraha co-presented scholarships as lucky draw prizes at the Happy New Year Charity Party 2025, alongside actress Charlotte Austin. Waraha has indicated a focus on charities benefiting children and animals in her giving decisions. Beyond , Waraha's interests center on and performance, rooted in her upbringing in a family of traditional Thai musicians where she began vocal training in childhood. She pursues and modeling professionally while occasionally sharing routine activities, such as travel and fitness, on , though she keeps much of her personal life private.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14208083/bio/
  2. https://mydramalist.com/people/109275-engfa-waraha
  3. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/people/2871323/engfa-waraha-from-religious-ceremonial-doctor-to-beauty-pageant-and-movie-star
  4. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/engfa-waraha.html
  5. https://conandaily.com/2024/08/22/engfa-waraha-biography-13-things-about-miss-grand-international-2022-first-runner-up/
  6. https://drama.fandom.com/wiki/Engfa_Waraha
  7. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3882129?language=en-US
  8. https://engfa-waraha.com/about/
  9. https://x.com/EWaraha/status/2009855948358332720
  10. https://eng.idhospital.com/engfa-waraha-dramatic-transformation-in-id-hospital/
  11. https://postdady.com/engfa-waraha/
  12. https://sharerice.com/Engfa_Waraha
  13. https://www.angelopedia.com/news/Miss-Grand-Thailand-2022-Engfa-Waraha-Pioneer-Thailand-Winner-Miss-Grand-International-2022/55742
  14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs8g_5VHelg
  15. https://www.angelopedia.com/news/Miss-Grand-Thailand-2022-Engfa-Waraha-Bangkok-Representative-Coronation-Winner-Results-Details/55027
  16. https://www.pageantcircle.com/search/label/Miss%2520Thailand?updated-max=2022-05-21T23:23:00%252B02:00&max-results=20&start=13&by-date=false
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1eZPIPnHDc
  18. https://www.pageantcircle.com/2022/08/miss-grand-international-2022-new-crown-schedule-of-events.html
  19. https://missgrandinternational.com/
  20. https://missgrandinternational.com/halloffameyear/2022/
  21. https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/entertainment/40021386
  22. https://www.instagram.com/p/CiwiF5nrUO0/
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBXe0VTiZwc
  24. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14208083/
  25. https://deadline.com/2025/05/cannes-engfa-waraha-lady-bee-mokster-films-unveils-singer-actress-1236391412/
  26. https://tiff.net/events/the-paradise-of-thorns
  27. https://hiff.org/events/theparadiseofthorns/
  28. https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/the-paradise-of-thorns-review-1236142417/
  29. https://redseafilmfest.com/en/press/the-red-sea-film-foundation-spotlights-women-in-cinema-at-the-78th-cannes-film-festival/
  30. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2600977/lifestyle
  31. https://deadline.com/2025/05/thailand-engfa-waraha-dream-thanika-jenjesda-cannes-studio-lady-bee-film-female-gaze-1236408221/
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DlrazToy-Y
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yppvy1edhh0
  34. https://open.spotify.com/track/4pNaQN0uttnFrotSO7Ctdu
  35. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_R03lY0cOl-BhxPWWJeITA
  36. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5OfnvPSFuQ/
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53ymQXnnZ0
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk4vmPZVJmE
  39. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP8yKAzkodc/
  40. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2643757/shopee-9-9-super-shopping-day
  41. https://x.com/EngfaDom_MY/status/1761435739991183855
  42. https://www.facebook.com/EngfaOfficialFan/videos/769950525304792/
  43. https://www.facebook.com/Englotforever/posts/engfa-many-of-my-presenter-brands-may-change-this-year-if-you-see-me-changing-th/1686676141948056/
  44. https://kbizoom.com/engfa-waraha-cannes-2025-appearance/
  45. https://www.pageantcircle.com/search/label/Miss%2520Thailand?updated-max=2022-05-21T23:23:00%252B02T00%252B02:00&max-results=20&start=13&by-date=false
  46. https://www.thaiupdate.info/winners-nine-entertain-awards-2025/
  47. https://x.com/thaiupdate2021/status/1927720275988357282
  48. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14208083/awards/
  49. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-jhrqutxOx/
  50. https://vietbao.vn/en/hoa-hau-hoa-binh-thai-lan-bi-chi-trich-vi-mac-vay-ho-noi-y-420048.html
  51. https://www.vietnam.vn/en/hoa-hau-mac-ho-hang-thi-sinh-phai-livestream-ban-hang
  52. https://www.vietnam.vn/en/ly-do-trang-phuc-xuyen-thau-cua-hoa-hau-engfa-waraha-gay-tranh-luan
  53. https://vietbao.vn/en/hoa-hau-thai-lan-engfa-toi-khong-quan-tam-chi-trich-dien-o-bar-nha-hang-430882.html
  54. https://vietbao.vn/en/nhiem-ky-thi-phi-cua-hoa-hau-engfa-waraha-422029.html
  55. https://missgrand.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Annual-Shareholders-Meeting-Report-for-the-year-2024-%25E0%25B8%25A5%25E0%25B8%2587%25E0%25B8%2599%25E0%25B8%25B2%25E0%25B8%25A1%25E0%25B9%2581%25E0%25B8%25A5%25E0%25B9%2589%25E0%25B8%25A7.pdf
  56. https://x.com/EngfaData/status/1894715204824686619
  57. https://x.com/vicky_reacts_/status/1894877915671900628
  58. https://x.com/EngfaData/status/1894714624576291014
  59. https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/thai-celebrities-caught-in-border-crossfire-of-nationalism-and-neutrality/58497
  60. https://overseasidol.com/en/engfa-waraha-speaks-out-for-truthfromthailand-despite-losing-cambodian-fans/
  61. https://x.com/bellieloml/status/1544639853266030592
  62. https://x.com/dearlybeyloved/status/1853756565016518918
  63. https://x.com/genderationth/status/1797950696589045998
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1BbqwkTZdo
  65. https://www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle/travel/24990/engfa-waraha-and-charlotte-austin-spark-the-ultimate-feels-in-paris/photo
  66. https://www.reddit.com/r/GirlsLove/comments/1id5lhh/teach_me_everything_about_englot/
  67. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/engfa-waraha
  68. https://twitter.com/comet_wanderer/status/1834200951684755530
  69. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62gH9UyihnU
  70. https://www.instagram.com/p/DBiqXTwv-Qw/
  71. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHgbYJlSE5I/
  72. https://x.com/EngfaMx_Fans
  73. https://www.ex-start.com/27033418/who-is-engfa-waraha-a-comprehensive-look-at/
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