Inside Miss Grand International’s reign of glamour and drama

Love it or hate it, Miss Grand International proves that in pageantry, spectacle and scandal often share the same stage.

In just over a decade, Thailand’s Miss Grand International (MGI) has grown from a newcomer in the pageant scene into one of the most talked-about competitions in the world. 

Founded by Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, the pageant carries the message of “Stop the War and Violence,” presenting beauty queens not only as symbols of grace but also as voices for peace and unity.

But for all its dazzling stage productions and loyal fan following, MGI has also built a reputation for drama. The controversies surrounding the competition have become part of its identity, drawing as much attention as its glittering finals. For Filipino pageant fans in particular—one of the most passionate audiences in the world—these moments have sparked heated debates and emotional investments.

One unforgettable episode unfolded in 2019 when Miss Grand Thailand Arayha “Coco” Suparurk posted a meme body-shaming Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, calling her “fat.” The backlash was immediate, with the incident casting doubt on the pageant’s own advocacy of respect and inclusivity.

The spotlight returned in 2024, when Miss Grand International Rachel Gupta of India stepped down from her title. In her candid tell-all, Gupta revealed her struggles under the crown, describing poor living conditions, pressure to push products on TikTok Live, and even instances of body-shaming.

The Coco controversy that made CJ 

The controversy forced the organization to pass the crown to first runner-up Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza of the Philippines, marking a historic moment as the country celebrated its first Miss Grand International victory.

Even with its share of scandals, MGI continues to grow. Its influence has expanded alongside Thailand’s rising profile in global pageantry, especially after businesswoman Anne Jakrajutatip’s JKN Global Group acquired the Miss Universe Organization in 2022. With two major international pageants now run by Thai-owned companies, Thailand has become a powerhouse on the global beauty stage.

This October, MGI entered its 13th edition with another jam-packed calendar: the welcome ceremony and press conference on Oct. 1, the swimsuit competition on Oct. 9, and the national costume competition on Oct. 13. The preliminary competition was held today, Oct. 15, while the grand finals will be on Oct. 18 at the MGI Hall in Bangkok.

Among the 76 hopefuls is the Philippines’ Emma Mary Tiglao of Pampanga, who is aiming for a back-to-back win. At her send-off, she shared her hopes with fans:

“I’m praying and hoping they see that it’s not just about representing our country, but also about what we can contribute to the organization. Lucky charm naman natin ang Thailand, so sana ibigay na sa atin this time,” Tiglao shared in an interview. 

She will be welcomed on stage by reigning queen CJ Opiaza, who will crown her successor, a moment doubly special for Filipinos who, for the first time, will see one of their own pass on the golden crown.

Thai is the charm

Carrying the theme “Entertaining the World with Beauty,” MGI continues to redefine what it means to be a modern beauty queen. Contestants are no longer just queens of the stage; they are expected to be performers, influencers, and cultural ambassadors, connecting with audiences far beyond the competition night.

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