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Miss Thailand could not be competing at Miss Universe 2026 as MUO and Nawat Itsaragrisil dispute escalates
HOLA • • world
Key Points:
- Thailand's participation in Miss Universe 2026 is under review due to a dispute between Miss Universe leadership and Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil, following the crowning of Tharina Botes as Miss Universe Thailand 2026.
- The Miss Universe Organization's MU West faction excluded Thailand's representatives from a key National Directors' Town Hall, citing "personal and unfounded attacks" against the organization, and is evaluating Thailand's involvement in the upcoming competition.
- MU East, co-partner in the Miss Universe Organization, challenged MU West's authority to represent the entire organization and criticized the public airing of internal disputes, advocating for resolution through legal and governance channels.
- Tharina Botes, crowned on August 23, was set to represent Thailand in the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico, but the ongoing conflict puts her participation in jeopardy just days into her reign.
- The Miss Universe Organization has reserved the right to take further action regarding Thailand's status and has urged stakeholders to avoid speculation until an official decision is made.
