BANGKOK — Thai police have launched an investigation into alleged illegal online casino promotions linked to the 74th Miss Universe pageant, creating a controversy that now involves Miss Philippines and threatens the event scheduled for later this month.
The complaint was filed by Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Grand International (MGI) and chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee, against the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). Nawat claims MUO staff instructed contestants to film promotional content for an online casino at their Bangkok hotel—a violation of Thai law.
Miss Philippines Photo Under Scrutiny
On November 3, Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom ordered an immediate investigation. Officers at Wat Phraya Krai Police Station summoned all parties involved.
During the review, investigators focused on a photo of Miss Philippines holding a pillow bearing a sponsor’s logo allegedly linked to a Philippine-based gambling website. The Host Committee claims this sponsor was not part of officially contracted licensing agreements.
Police have filed an initial report but said further verification is needed to confirm whether the website operates as an illegal online casino before pursuing criminal charges.
Host Committee Denies Responsibility
MGI issued a statement denying all involvement and placing blame squarely on MUO: MGI acknowledged that MUO promoted a sponsor associated with online casinos, which are strictly illegal in Thailand
As the official host, MGI stated it has “no involvement whatsoever” with such activities
The promotion was “carried out solely by the Miss Universe Organization”
Nawat appeared at the police station to provide testimony, officially denying all allegations against his company.
Complex Ownership Structure
The Miss Universe Organization, founded in 1952, underwent significant ownership changes in recent years. It is currently co-owned through JKN Legacy Inc., a joint venture between JKN Global Group, a Thai media company, and Legacy Holding Group USA Inc., the American arm of a Mexican corporation.
Current leadership includes Raúl Rocha Cantú as president and Mario Búcaro as CEO, appointed in late 2024.
Adding complexity to the situation, Nawat was appointed Executive Director of the Miss Universe pageant in early 2025. His MGI group also acquired the Miss Universe Thailand license and is organizing the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Bangkok from November 2-21.
This intertwining of leadership—with Nawat simultaneously running MGI, serving as Host Committee chairman, and holding an executive director role at MUO—raises questions about his complaint against the organization he partly oversees.
Despite the investigation, the Miss Universe 2025 pageant is expected to proceed as scheduled in Thailand. The host committee has promised further updates as the investigation continues.
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