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Miss Universe delegates from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia react to non-participation
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Ahead of the Miss Universe coronation event in November, controversies are piling up.
Thailand’s Tharina Botes, Singapore’s Vion Tan, and Malaysia’s Euni Wong have shared their thoughts after their respective countries’ representatives were announced to be among those who will not participate in the upcoming Miss Universe competition.
In separate Instagram posts, the three Asian beauty queens expressed their feelings about the unexpected development, with Tharina and Euni looking ahead to new opportunities as Vion said she needed time to process the news.
Tharina thanked those who have supported her throughout her journey, saying that dreams are not defined by a single moment, title, or stage.
“Sometimes, life doesn’t unfold the way we imagined. But I’ve learned that not every pause is a step backward, and not every detour takes us further from our dreams,” The Thai beauty queen began.
Tharina added she would continue to believe in herself and encouraged others to pursue their own dreams despite unexpected changes.
“This is not the end of my story. It’s simply another chapter,” she said. “The sky is not the limit, and the best is yet to come.”
Meanwhile, Singapore's Vion admitted the news had hit her harder than she could put into words and said she needed time to gather her thoughts before sharing more about her next steps.
She added that her journey was about more than winning a crown, highlighting the opportunity to represent her country on the international stage and share its culture and stories.
“To everyone who has sent me kind messages, offered your encouragement, and believed in me, thank you. Even in a moment when I’m still finding the words, your support reminds me that I’m not standing here alone,” she said.
Although she remains uncertain about what comes next, Vion said the development would not stop her from pursuing her goals.
“If anything, it has made me more determined to show the world what Singapore is capable of,” she said.
Malaysia’s Euni described the change in her journey as an opportunity to embrace new possibilities.
She said she had dreamed of competing in Puerto Rico while carrying her country’s name, but she remained open to standing on another international stage in the future.
“I dreamed of standing on that stage in Puerto Rico, wearing Malaysia across my heart. Now, I will dream of standing on that stage in another country,” she said.
Euni also thanked MGI founder and president Nawat Itsaragrisil for his decision, saying she appreciated his consideration for the delegates’ dignity and safety.
“I thank God for a little detour, a little detour and new adventure is always fun and exciting,” she said.
She ended her statement by teasing future plans for 2027, encouraging her supporters to stay tuned for what comes next.
The beauty queens’ posts came after Miss Grand International (MGI) announced that representatives from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Laos would not participate in the upcoming pageant amid an ongoing dispute over franchise rights.
In a statement posted on Facebook, MGI clarified that the delegates’ absence should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from existing agreements or a surrender of its franchise rights.
The organization also said the women should not be caught in the middle of disagreements between pageant organizations, emphasizing that women’s empowerment includes protecting them when their safety or equal treatment cannot be sufficiently assured.
Despite their non-participation, the six representatives will retain their national titles and continue their responsibilities and advocacy work in their respective countries.
Delegates of Vietnam, Indonesia, and Laos have yet to issue statements.
The upcoming Miss Universe competition is scheduled on November 24 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot.
Reigning Miss Universe queen Fatima Bosch of Mexico will pass the crown to her successor.
The Philippines will be represented by Bea Millan-Windorski.
