November 4, 2025
BANGKOK – Thai police recently investigated the Miss Universe 2025 pageant’s controversial promotion, in which contestants were allegedly filmed endorsing online casinos at their accommodation — a practice deemed illegal under Thai law. This caused significant reputational damage to Thailand, the host country of the event.
The pageant’s security team was promptly alerted by well-meaning individuals, who notified the police, and the authorities swiftly arrived to investigate.
In response, Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Grand International Plc (MGI) and president of the 74th Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee, was called on Monday to provide testimony at Wat Phaya Krai Police Station, where he confirmed that Miss Grand International had no involvement in promoting online casinos.
Following the investigation, the 74th Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee issued a statement:
“Miss Grand International Public Company Limited would like to inform the public that, following the recent incident during the 74th Miss Universe Thailand event, it has come to our attention that the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) promoted one of its sponsors associated with online casinos — an activity that is strictly illegal under Thai law.
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).”