Opal Suchata Chuangsri, Miss World 2025, has addressed online criticism from Cambodian netizens following her appearance in elaborate traditional Thai attire during the annual Phanom Rung Festival, saying she believes the Miss World organisation will not remove her photos and can distinguish cultural context.
Opal appeared in a regal ancient costume portraying Queen Bhupati Indralakshmi Devi during the 2026 Phanom Rung Festival procession, where she was carried on a palanquin up the historic sanctuary in Buriram province. The moment drew widespread admiration in Thailand, but also sparked backlash online, with some foreign users claiming cultural appropriation and urging the Miss World Organization to delete her images.
Speaking to reporters on 7 April, Opal said participating in the ceremony felt like a “perfect moment in life,” as her schedule allowed her to remain in Thailand between 10–15 April, aligning with the festival. She noted she had specifically requested to stay in the country during that period before travelling abroad on 15 April.
“I used to see this as something distant from my life. I never imagined I would one day sit on a palanquin in such an important procession,” she said. “It made me proud of how far I have come.”
She admitted feeling nervous during the ceremony, particularly due to the steep and narrow laterite stairway leading up to Phanom Rung. “It is not a flat path. The steps are small and steep, which made the procession physically challenging,” she said, adding jokingly that she would have tried to lose weight in advance had she known she would take part.
Before the procession, Opal said she performed a ritual apology and paid respects to the soldiers carrying the palanquin, acknowledging the sensitivity of being elevated above others during the ceremony.
On the spiritual aspect, Opal said she remained composed and silent throughout the ritual to fully embody the role. She recalled a striking moment when a brightly coloured butterfly flew past just before she boarded the palanquin.
“From a scientific perspective, it reflects how rich the environment is. But in terms of belief, I felt it was a sign that my intentions were acknowledged,” she said, adding that she quietly made wishes for prosperity and career success.
Addressing the criticism, Opal said she and her team were not surprised by the reaction, as they had anticipated such responses. She stressed that it is natural for neighbouring countries to share similar cultural elements.
“It is not something negative or something we need to compete over,” she said. “What defines us, we should preserve and continue. As for what is historically shared, we should view it openly and positively. In the end, we are neighbours, and it is better not to be in conflict.”
She added that while attire in the region may appear similar, ceremonial practices in Buriram have distinct characteristics that differ from those in Cambodia.
Opal also dismissed calls for the pageant to remove her images, expressing confidence in the organisation’s judgment.
“There is no need to clarify anything. I believe an international organisation like Miss World, based in England, understands that countries in the same region often share cultural traits and can assess the facts appropriately,” she said.
