Amid thrilling anticipation and roaring cheers at MGI HALL, finally the "BEYOND THE STARS, INTO THE UNIVERSE" crown was awarded to Khanom Tarina Botes, Miss Universe Bangkok. She delivered outstanding performances in every round of Miss Universe Thailand 2026, winning the hearts of both judges and the public. Boss Nawatt Israkaresil, Chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand pageant and Chief Executive Officer of Miss Universe Eastern, officially sent her as Thailand’s representative to compete for the 75th Miss Universe crown in Puerto Rico. The first runner-up was Nam Ing Sutthida Eadpu, Miss Universe Phuket, and the second runner-up was Helena Sarakan, Miss Universe Udon Thani.
The event was truly exciting both at MGI HALL on the 6th floor of BRAVO BKK shopping center on Rama 9 and for viewers watching live on YouTube via Grand TV. Organized by Miss Grand International Public Company Limited, the rights holder of Miss Universe Thailand, the production spared no expense, delivering a full-scale stage, lighting, and sound show with an impressive opening performance by Veena Pavina Singh.
Matthew Dean hosted, introducing the distinguished judging panel including Fahsai Paveensuda Drouin, Dr. Jeab Lallana Kongthornin, Ingfa Waraha, Ms. Vanessa Pulgarin, Ms. Nguyen Huong Giang, Charm Osathanond, and Pla Prapatsorn. Every score counted, from judges’ scores to the passionate public votes.
Among the top 20 finalists, the first two were Helena Sarakan, Miss Universe Udon Thani, who won the Best Seller Award for highest sales during the MGI Shop live campaign, and the Thailand’s Choice Award (popular vote) went to Nam Ing Sutthida Eadpu, Miss Universe Phuket.
The other 18 finalists represented Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Songkhla, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Pathum Thani, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Nakhon Phanom, Maha Sarakham, Surat Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, and Uthai Thani.
In the swimsuit round, the competition heated up with a powerful live performance by the hot artist SVRN (Sovereign) from GLIIDE label, showcasing the song "OVERHOPED," thrilling the audience as always with MGI’s production and featured artists.
The top 10 finalists were announced: Miss Universe Saraburi Jenny Kotchaporn Hopkins, Bangkok’s Khanom Tarina Botes, Udon Thani’s Helena Sarakan, Pathum Thani’s Benedetta Priyapong Lissoni, Nakhon Phanom’s Aum Nitinadda Krobrom, Ubon Ratchathani’s Rotmel Manaswee Nilbuala, Phuket’s Nam Ing Sutthida Eadpu, Ratchaburi’s Mukku Thanatchaporn Phangkaew, Chiang Mai’s Sofia Sasivararin Asawahirangkan, and Chonburi’s Bee Ratcha Prasertphornsak.
Boss Nawatt continued the public voting, allowing fans to support their favorite contestants in the top 5: Miss Universe Udon Thani, Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
In the Q&A round, strong answers shone like the North Star, with Phuket’s Nam Ing leading the scores. Fans enthusiastically voted as the field narrowed to the final 3: Miss Universe Phuket, Bangkok, and Udon Thani.
. Before announcing the results, Veena Pavina Singh, Miss Universe Thailand 2025, gave a memorable farewell, followed by a special English version performance of “One in a Hundred” by SVRN, captivating the audience as much as the contestants’ beauty captivated every gaze.
Then came the heart-pounding moment: Matthew Dean announced the 2nd runner-up as Helena Sarakan from Udon Thani, leaving the two front-runners—Bangkok and Phuket—holding hands amid the cheers of their fans. The contestant deemed "most deserving" by points and best answers was Miss Universe Bangkok, Khanom Tarina Botes, who took the "BEYOND THE STARS, INTO THE UNIVERSE" crown and the title Miss Universe Thailand 2026. The first runner-up was Miss Universe Phuket, Nam Ing Sutthida Eadpu, in a very close contest.
As Miss Universe Thailand 2026, she signed a contract with the Miss Universe Thailand organization and will represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico.
Special awards included:
1. Best National Costume award went to Miss Universe Surat Thani for the "Tosakantha Maha-Rasa Siam" costume, Miss Universe Phetchaburi for "THE GOLD MAJESTY: The Thai Dessert Dress," Bangkok for "THAI TASTE: Siamese Feast," and Uthai Thani for "PAD THAI THAILAND."
2. Best Seller Award, for the highest sales during the MGI Shop TikTok Live campaign, was awarded to Helena Sarakan, Miss Universe Udon Thani.
3. Thailand’s Choice Award (Fan Favorite) was given to Nam Ing Sutthida Eadpu, Miss Universe Phuket.
4. Best in Swimsuit went to Sofia Sasivararin Asawahirangkan, Miss Universe Chiang Mai.
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