Miss Universe Thailand may miss 75th pageant amid ongoing dispute

The Miss Universe Organization evaluates Thailand’s participation as MGI fiercely defends its local rights.

The question surrounding Miss Universe Thailand has intensified after the Miss Universe Organization announced that it is evaluating the country’s participation in the upcoming 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico this November.

The announcement came after the organization, headed by Raul Rocha, released an official statement saying its leadership is “currently evaluating the participation of Miss Universe Thailand” in the milestone edition of the pageant.

Thailand recently crowned Tharina Botes as its representative, but her Miss Universe journey now faces uncertainty amid the ongoing dispute.

However, the pageant’s Thailand license holder, Miss Grand International Public Company Limited (MGI), headed by pageant producer and businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, has strongly pushed back against the statement.

MGI argued that its rights to operate and manage Miss Universe Thailand stem from its contractual relationship with Miss Universe Eastern, which it said holds the relevant licensing authority.

The company stressed that it “does not recognize any purported authority” of the Western management to revoke, suspend, restrict, or otherwise interfere with its contractual rights or Tharina’s participation.

MGI also questioned the authority behind the Miss Universe statement, pointing to the organization’s ongoing corporate and legal disputes.

“The recent statement was issued through a Miss Universe communication channel and presented as a statement of the ‘Miss Universe Organization,’” MGI said, arguing that statements from one side of the management should not determine the contractual rights of another party without proper legal and corporate authority.

The company further warned that any unauthorized interference with its rights “may constitute an interference with contractual rights” and said it “expressly reserves all contractual and legal rights and remedies available to the Company.”

MGI also denied allegations that Nawat unlawfully seized or took control of the official Miss Universe website or Facebook account.

“Regarding the allegation that Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil unlawfully seized or took control of the official website or Facebook account of Miss Universe, MGI states that such allegation is denied,” the company said, challenging those making the accusation to provide evidence through the proper legal process.

As the dispute unfolds, Tharina’s participation in the 75th Miss Universe remains uncertain, leaving pageant fans waiting for a definitive answer on whether Thailand will take the Puerto Rico stage this November.

Meanwhile, the Philippines is set to be represented by Bea Millan Windorski, who will vie for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown.

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