After the beauty queen Vanessa Wong Miss Intercontinental Thailand 2025 carried Cambodia's banner, leading Cambodian athletes at the opening ceremony of the 2025 SEA Games on 9 Dec 2025 GMT+7 at Rajamangala National Stadium. This sparked widespread discussion among beauty pageant fans and social media users. Recently, Vanessa attended the “Mirror 50 All Voices Empowering Ones” event at EM SKYE, 14th floor, EMSPHERE shopping center, where reporters asked her about the incident.
How do you feel about representing Cambodia as the banner bearer?
"I wasn’t stressed or upset at all. When I was first told I would carry Cambodia’s banner, I thought it might be a joke. But once I actually carried it, I didn’t think much and just did my duty. I’m very proud and happy to have been chosen to carry the banner."
How was the selection process? What criteria were used?
"We didn’t choose ourselves. The organizers probably just selected me directly."
Can you talk about the outfit you wore?
"It was a Dusit Thai dress, which I really liked. I chose a dark color because I understood that we were in a period of mourning. It was my first time wearing a Dusit Thai dress, and I was very happy that the photos turned out beautifully."
What about the reaction after people found out you carried Cambodia’s banner?
"I haven’t read many comments yet. There’s one TikTok clip with about 1,300 comments. I think the public reaction wasn’t attacking me personally but rather expressing sympathy for me. Personally, I believe we should separate the issue of war from the athletes."
"I was the one carrying the banner in front of them, and when I looked back, they smiled warmly—it was very friendly. I feel sorry and saddened for those who withdrew from the competition. They prepared so hard for the SEA Games, which doesn’t happen often. It’s not easy, yet they had to withdraw because of booing or the war."
"I hope everyone refrains from attacking the athletes because it’s not their fault. As for me, while carrying the banner, I was just doing my international duties to the best of my ability. But once offstage, I remain Thai and always stand for Thailand."
So you’re not resentful or wondering why you had to carry this country’s banner?
"Not at all. I feel I’m one of the least stressed people. Everyone else took it very seriously, but I wasn’t worried about that. I was happy to carry the banner."
How do you feel about the withdrawal of the athletes?
"I respect their decision whether to withdraw or continue competing. Personally, I feel sorry for all the athletes. I know everyone wanted to come and bring honor to their country, but when they withdraw, all their training and preparation go to waste. It’s truly regrettable."
Do you want people to understand that these athletes are representing their countries and competing in sports?
"There are many of us, but they had only about ten athletes. It’s a very small number, yet they were booed by tens of thousands when entering the stadium, even though it’s not their fault. If anyone is to be angry, it should be directed at their leaders who started the war, not the athletes. I really feel sorry for the athletes."
The opening ceremony faced some drama, including issues with the singing?
"I think there may have been some technical or coordination problems. I feel sorry for Pee Vee as well and want to encourage him. I know he gave his best effort. His past work has always been excellent. I actually watched the live broadcast from backstage, and the event turned out well. Personally, I liked it."
Anything you’d like to add?
"First, I am Thai-German, not Cambodian, as some may have misunderstood. Please support the SEA Games and all the athletes. I always cheer for Thailand. I hope everyone shows sportsmanship, not just the athletes but also the spectators."
"Regarding the pageant, on 12 Jan 2026 GMT+7, I will fly to Egypt to compete in Miss Intercontinental. Please support Thailand by watching, sharing, liking, and commenting on YouTube. Just commenting 'Thailand' makes me very happy."
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