There’s finally some kind of closure for the Miss Grand International.
There’s now a lifetime ban for Myanmar’s pageant director Htoo Ant Lwin.
So, what happened?
How It Started
The Miss Grand International 2024, held on 25 October in Bangkok, took an unexpected turn as Myanmar’s contestant Thae Su Nyein returned her second runner-up crown and sash in a controversial on-stage incident.
The move, carried out by her national pageant director Htoo Ant Lwin, was seen as a direct protest against what he described as “unfair” judging practices.
The protest followed the coronation of India’s Rachel Gupta as Miss Grand International 2024 and the Philippines’ CJ Opiaza as first runner-up.
Moments after the crowning, Thae was seen in tears, supported by her team as Htoo removed her crown and sash.
Htoo later posted a farewell message, “Bye forever,” on Facebook, sparking concern among fans.
He later clarified that he was fine and announced his intention to go live to share his views on the contest’s judging process.
But why?
Htoo alleged that Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Miss Grand International president, offered the crown for sale at USD $25,000.
He also suggested financial dealings between the pageant and Indonesia, casting further doubt on the event’s credibility.
Itsaragrisil responded with a firm denial, calling the allegations “ridiculous” and rebuking Htoo’s lack of “sportsmanship and business credibility.”
This was what prompted a lifetime ban for Htoo, with Itsaragrisil stating at a Bangkok press conference that participants unable to handle competition should avoid pageantry altogether.
Now, this isn’t the only trouble.
Troubled Waters for Miss Grand International: Venue Changes and National Disputes
The current dispute with Myanmar is one in a series of challenges for Miss Grand International.
Initially planned for Cambodia, the event was moved to Bangkok just weeks before it began due to unmet contractual requirements from the Cambodian venue.
The last-minute relocation led to Cambodia withdrawing its representative and led to a ban from Cambodia’s pageant director, who vowed to prevent future Miss Grand events from taking place in the country.
What is Miss Grand International?
Miss Grand International is a Thailand-based international beauty pageant franchise established in 2013 by Nawat Itsaragrisil.
The pageant was founded during a period of political crisis in Thailand, initially adopting the slogan “No mob, Stop the Wars” which was later changed to “Stop the War and Violence.” The pageant aims to promote peace and stand against all forms of conflict.
Unlike Miss Universe, which is one of the “Big Four” international beauty pageants with a 70-year legacy dating back to 1952, Miss Grand International is a relatively new pageant.
While Miss Universe is headquartered in New York and owned by JKN Global Group, Miss Grand International operates from Thailand and is run by MGI PCL. Miss Universe has historically been considered more prestigious, being part of the “Big Four” pageants alongside Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth.
The competition structure also differs between the two pageants. Miss Grand International features three main pre-pageant events: a swimsuit competition, a national costume parade, and a preliminary contest.
A unique aspect of Miss Grand’s final round is that all top five finalists must answer the same question about an ongoing global situation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or political crises.
The current Miss Grand International is Rachel Gupta of India.
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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