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Read Full BioThai police raided the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand over reports that contestants were illegally promoting online casinos.
A photo emerged online of Miss Philippines advertising PlayTime, an online casino in her home country.
The raid occurred as tensions between local organizers and the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) boiled over. Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Grand International and the license holder for Miss Universe Thailand, has been embroiled in a public spat with MUO President Raul Rocha Cantu.
Nawat called the police himself, accusing Cantu and the Mexican delegation of organizing the casino promotion. Nawat claims he had warned MUO months prior that this sponsor was problematic under Thai law, but the organization ignored him.
The police raided the hotel hosting the event, seizing promotional materials, including the PlayTime pillow seen in the photo, and filming equipment.
Thai Organizer Distances Himself From Illegal Online Casino Promo
Nawat made clear that MUO ran the promotion, and he had no part in it. A statement read, “As the official host of the 74th Miss Universe Thailand, Miss Grand International Public Company Limited hereby clarifies that the company has no involvement whatsoever with such activities or any form of publicity related to online casinos. The promotion was carried out solely by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).”
Thailand strictly forbids online casinos, as well as any promotions of gambling. Under the previous Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand had considered legalizing casino resorts.
However, new PM Anutin Charnvirakul has stated that he “opposes gambling as a way to stimulate the economy.” The Thai Senate officially rejected a bill to legalize casinos in a vote last month.
Contestants Stage Walkout After Miss Mexico Confronted
In the aftermath of the police raid, Nawat confronted Miss Universe Mexico, Fatima Bosch, demanding answers about her work with the casino sponsor.
Bosch broke down in tears, reporting that Nawat had verbally abused her and called her dumb. She stated, “He screamed at me… He is having issues with the [main] pageant… I was treated unreasonably, disrespectfully, and unfairly.”
In protest, other contestants staged a walkout, including the reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig. Theilvig stated, “This is about women’s rights… This is not how you treat other women… Enough is enough.”
Nawat rejected the claim that he called her dumb, but did admit to losing his temper. He stated, “Sometimes I lose control. If I made mistakes, I apologize to Miss Mexico. I may have been too angry, but I had no intention to diminish her.”
Cantu responded in a video statement, saying Nawat’s role would be “restricted or eliminated entirely.” He stated, “The decision came after he became the center of attention instead of the contestants, humiliating and insulting a defenseless woman. No one has the right to harm or intimidate a woman, much less one representing her nation on our stage.”
Nawat Lashes Out at MUO, Claims Betrayal
Nawat claims MUO has betrayed him and is actively blocking him from conducting activities with his own sponsors. In a livestream after the police raid and Cantu’s comments, he revealed he has paid $2 million for hosting rights and has no intention of stepping back.
He responded, “We are the licence holder. Everything must run according to business operations.” In addition, he lashed out at MUO CEO Ronald Day, who has a pending sexual harassment case against him.
Nawat said such a person should not be involved in a women’s pageant, and he did not want him in Thailand. Despite the conflict between the organizers, the contest is continuing as scheduled. It runs from November 2 to 21, with events taking place across Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya, with the winner being crowned on November 21.
Amid the scandal, Miss Philippines, Antisa Manalo’s chances of winning dropped from 17% to 13%. She remains the favorite at Kalshi, slightly ahead of Miss India.
