Nawat Itsaragrisil, the National Director of Miss Universe Thailand and a representative of the Miss Universe Organization, addressed recent controversies surrounding the pageant. He issued an apology following incidents where several Miss Universe contenders left a sashing event unexpectedly.
During a formal event where contestants receive their official sashes, some participants exited prematurely, causing widespread media attention and speculation. This disruption led to public discourse on the pageant’s management and contestant treatment.
Using a TikTok livestream, Itsaragrisil directly communicated with fans and critics alike. He acknowledged the unrest caused and expressed regret for any offense or misunderstanding. His statement aimed to clarify the situation and reaffirm the organization’s intent to respect all participants.
"Our goal is to uphold the dignity and honor of all contestants while ensuring a positive and respectful environment," Itsaragrisil said during the livestream.
The public reaction was mixed, with some praising the transparency of Itsaragrisil’s approach to social media engagement, while others remained critical of the organization’s management. The incident has sparked further conversation about the pressures contestants face and expectations of pageant protocols.
The director’s public apology highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining fair and respectful treatment of pageant contestants amid high-profile events.