BANGKOK — Paveenar Singh, nicknamed “Veena,” claimed victory at Miss Universe Thailand 2025: The New Era on Saturday night, marking a historic moment after competing three times over eight years and finishing as runner-up each time.
The 29-year-old was crowned by Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova, officially launching what organizers call an unprecedented new chapter for Thai beauty pageants. Veena received the loudest cheers from the audience throughout the competition among 77 contestants.
Her supporters flooded social media, praising her for embodying the complete “3 E” concept – Elegance, Empowering, and Entertainment – introduced by new pageant director Nawat Itsaragrisil from MGI.
Bold Stance on Controversial Issues
Veena went viral during “The Queen of Phuket” activities in Phuket Province when she boldly expressed support for the controversial Entertainment Complex and Casino policy, despite opposition from conservative groups and anti-government factions.
“The Queen of Phuket must represent Phuket exceptionally well, promote tourism, and importantly, support Entertainment Complexes. I want to promote casinos in Phuket Province because I believe our many tourists can sustainably boost Thailand’s economy,” she stated.
Breaking Traditional Molds
As a naturalized Thai citizen of Indian descent, Veena represents a departure from typical Miss Universe Thailand winners who are usually either Thai-born or of mixed Thai-Western heritage. More significantly, she was married in 2022 and divorced in 2024 – making her the first Miss Universe Thailand winner with marriage and divorce experience.
Veena began pageant competition while studying at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts, majoring in Russian Language. Her inspiration came from senior student Aniporn Chalermburanawong, who won Miss Universe Thailand 2015 and gained international recognition with her memorable tuk-tuk national costume at Miss Universe.
Four-Time Competitor’s Journey
Following Aniporn’s inspiration, Veena competed in Miss Universe Thailand 2018, then 2020 (finishing 2nd runner-up and 1st runner-up respectively). After marriage, she returned in 2023 when Miss Universe changed rules to allow married women and mothers to compete without age limits, but again finished as 2nd runner-up.
That disappointment led Veena to announce her retirement from beauty pageants. However, when MGI took over as the new organizing company, her fans encouraged her 2025 comeback.
Despite being born in Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) and raised in Yala (Southern Thailand), Veena represented Saraburi Province (Central Thailand) in this winning competition.
Preparing for Global Stage
Veena will represent Thailand at the 74th Miss Universe competition in November, hosted in Thailand. When asked about her message to international contestants, she said: “Welcome to the land of culture. Thailand has countless traditions, delicious food, and people who warmly welcome tourists of all ages and backgrounds. We have hubs ready to serve everyone fully. Come visit Thailand – you’ll return home with joy and smiles.”
This victory is seen as representing a significant shift in Thai beauty pageantry, embracing diversity in background, life experience, and progressive viewpoints that reflect modern Thailand’s evolving social landscape.
“I’m thrilled that this platform embraces ethnic diversity. I am Thai – born and raised here, I speak Thai, love Thai food, and am just like any local Thai person from Chiang Mai. I’m grateful to Boss (Nawat) and everyone who welcomed me with open hearts, giving me the chance to represent Thailand at Miss Universe. I will present Thailand’s cosmopolitan character – our ethnic diversity and openness – showing the world that Thailand welcomes everyone,” Veena stated following her victory.
_________
