Thailand, one of the most prominent countries in the global pageant scene, could face the extraordinary possibility of not competing at Miss Universe 2026. The development comes less than two weeks after Tharina Botes was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 and was expected to represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico this November.
On September 4, a statement published on the Miss Universe Organization website operated by the faction commonly described as MU West revealed that Thailand's participation is now being evaluated amid an escalating dispute involving Miss Universe leadership and Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil.
© AFP via Getty ImagesThailand has not officially withdrawn or been disqualified from Miss Universe 2026. As of September 4, its participation remains under review.
Why Thailand Might Not Participate in Miss Universe 2026
The latest uncertainty is tied to an increasingly public dispute within the Miss Universe organization. In its September 4 statement, MU West said representatives of the Miss Universe Thailand franchise, including Nawat Itsaragrisil and members of his team, were not permitted to participate in the September 2 National Directors' Town Hall.
According to the statement, more than 100 countries participated in the meeting, and the Thailand representatives were the only individuals who were not granted access.
MU West said the decision was made because of "recent circumstances and conduct," including what it described as "personal and unfounded attacks directed against the Organization and its leadership."
The statement said: "The Miss Universe Organization wishes to inform its National Directors, delegates, partners, stakeholders, and the international community that its leadership is currently evaluating the participation of Miss Universe Thailand in the upcoming Miss Universe 75th Anniversary competition to be held in Puerto Rico this November."
© Medios y MediaThe organization added that it "expressly reserves all rights" regarding the situation and could take measures it considers appropriate within its contractual rights and obligations.
It also asked stakeholders to refrain from speculation until an official decision is announced.
MU East Pushes Back Against the Miss Universe Statement
The story became more complicated within hours. A separate statement published September 4 on Miss Universe's longstanding website by MU East challenged MU West's authority to speak for the entire organization.
MU East said the organization operates through a "50:50 partnership between MU East and MU West" and argued that MU West does not have unilateral authority to represent the organization as a whole.
The statement said: "Statements issued by MU West alone should therefore be clearly identified as representing MU West's position, rather than being presented as the position of the entire Miss Universe Organization."
© AFP via Getty ImagesMU East also objected to comments made about Nawat and his team, arguing that corporate disagreements should be handled through governance and legal processes instead of public personal attacks.
It added: "The Miss Universe platform must never be used to advance personal grievances, settle internal disagreements or target individuals and countries with whom one side may have a dispute."
Who Is Miss Universe Thailand 2026 Tharina Botes?
The uncertainty puts Tharina Botes' Miss Universe journey in an unusually complicated position. Botes, representing Bangkok, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 on August 23 at MGI Hall in Bangkok.
She defeated a field representing provinces across Thailand, with Sutthida Eadpu of Phuket finishing first runner-up and Helena Sarakan of Udon Thani taking second runner-up.
At the time of her victory, Botes was announced as Thailand's representative for the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico.
Thairath reported that Botes signed a contract with the Miss Universe Thailand organization and would represent Thailand internationally.
Now, just days into her reign, whether she will actually get the opportunity to compete is uncertain.
