BANGKOK — In a dramatic conclusion to the Miss Grand International (MGI) pageant controversy, MGI President Nawat Itsaragrisil has officially accepted Miss Grand Myanmar Thae Su Nyein’s decision to reject her second runner-up position, effectively ending the pageant’s relationship with both the contestant and Myanmar’s national franchise.
“What makes her so delusional?” Nawat stated during a press conference at Bangkok’s Movenpick Sukhumvit 63. “If she wants first place and must have it, I suggest she create her own pageant so she can win every title.”
The controversy erupted when Myanmar’s National Director (ND) Htoo Ant Lwin physically removed the crown and sash from 18-year-old Thae Su Nyein on stage after she was awarded second runner-up, losing to Miss Grand India, Rachel Kupta.
Following the incident, MGI terminated their contract with Htoo Ant Lwin, issuing a lifetime ban due to “lack of sportsmanship and business credibility.”
The situation escalated when Htoo Ant Lwin accused Nawat of attempting to sell the crown for $25,000, an allegation Nawat firmly dismissed as “ridiculous,” noting his prominent position as the “sixth wealthiest person in Thailand entertainment industry.”
In a subsequent Facebook livestream, Thae Su Nyein announced her decision to reject the second runner-up position, stating, “I don’t want the second runner-up position… I came to win first place and believe I deserved a higher position.” She also questioned why she didn’t receive other awards, including Best National Costume, Popular Vote, and Country of the Year.
Despite the public controversy, Nawat revealed that his relationship with the Myanmar community remains strong, sharing an anecdote about his Myanmar household staff who supported the second runner-up placement.
“When I asked them about it, they said it was nothing, that Miss Grand Myanmar getting second runner-up was very good, and they thought it was already a great position,” he said.
The MGI organization maintains that this incident, along with the recent termination of their Cambodia franchise, has not impacted their business operations. Nawat confirmed they are currently reviewing new partnership opportunities in both countries, stating that there will always be contestants and organizers eager to represent their nations.
“Someone like you shouldn’t participate in anything competitive or challenging others. You should stay in your own imaginary, fantasy virtual world. End of story!” Nawat concluded, definitively closing this chapter of the Miss Grand International pageant.
On October 28, the Miss Grand International page released a statement as follows: “The Miss Grand International Organization has decided to revoke the title of 2nd Runner-Up from Miss Grand Myanmar 2024, Ms. Thae Su Nyein due to inappropriate behavior and actions that violated several regulations. This announcement is made for your information.”
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