Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Grand International president, denied Myanmar director Htoo Ant Lwin’s claim of selling the winning title for US$25,000 and threatened legal action.

Miss Grand International President Nawat Itsaragrisil and Miss Grand International 2024 Rachel Saanchita Gupta. Photo from Itsaragrisil’s Instagram

Citing Thai newspaper Khaosod, Znews reported that in an Oct. 26 livestream, 51-year-old Itsaragrisil denied asking Htoo for US$25,000 to secure Myanmar contestant Thae Su Nyein, 17, as the winner of the Miss Popular Vote category at this year’s MGI finals. Itsaragrisil threatened legal action should Htoo, 29, fail to provide evidence for his claims.

“People like me don’t lack US$25,000,” Itsaragrisil stated. “I don’t disregard that amount, but honestly, what would you even do with it? It’s such a small amount. You don’t know how much I have because I never flaunt my wealth.”

Itsaragrisil further criticized Htoo for displaying wealth by wearing jewelry while reportedly lacking real funds and needing to borrow money. MGI’s Vice President Teresa Chaivisut, 47, allegedly requested Htoo to pay royalties for the MGI franchise purchase three times, but he reportedly avoided his financial obligations. Due to these issues, the 2024 event venue was relocated from Myanmar to Cambodia and Thailand.

Itsaragrisil mentioned that Chaivisut had suggested replacing Myanmar’s national director, but he had persuaded her to retain Htoo. However, he now expressed disappointment over Htoo’s actions.

Earlier, Htoo had accused Itsaragrisil of accepting US$25,000 from the Indonesian pageant official in exchange for a crown, according to The Straits Times.

Tensions escalated when Thae announced on Instagram Live on Sunday that she was returning her crown after being awarded second runner-up the previous day, stating she felt robbed for not winning two special awards: Best in National Costume and Country’s Power of the Year, according to ABS-CBN News.

The National Costume awards were won by contestants from Brazil, Ecuador, and Honduras, while Thailand claimed the Country’s Power of the Year title.

Itsaragrisil has also accused Htoo of pressuring Thae to relinquish her title. On Oct. 28, the Miss Grand International organization announced that it had withdrawn Thae’s title, stating the decision was due to her “inappropriate behavior.”

Founded in 2013 by Itsaragrisil, a Thai television host and producer, Miss Grand International focuses on humanitarian causes. Titleholders spend their reigning year as the organization’s spokesperson, participating in charity events promoting these campaigns.

Contestants are selected by franchise holders in their countries or territories through national contests, internal casting, or direct selection.

Miss Grand Myanmar has recently been in the spotlight due to allegations of a lack of transparency and fairness in the pageant. Some have criticized the organization for not making the contestants and judging criteria public.

Many have also expressed concerns about bias in the selection process. Meanwhile, Miss Grand Myanmar has also defended itself, saying that all processes were conducted fairly and transparently.

They stressed that the pageant aims to create opportunities for young women to express themselves and contribute to social activities. This controversy has not only brought attention to the pageant but also raised many questions about the standards and organization of beauty pageants in Myanmar and the region.

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