The beauty pageant world remains in turmoil over the ongoing conflict involving Nawat Itsaragrisil, the big boss of Miss Grand, manager of Miss Universe Thailand, and CEO of Miss Universe Eastern (MU East), who is in conflict with MU East, and the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), representing MU West under the leadership of Raúl Rocha Cantú.
Recently, the www.missuniverseorg.com website, representing MU West, posted an urgent statement regarding the Miss Universe Thailand team being denied access to the National Directors’ Town Hall meeting, including Nawat Itsaragrisil and his team.
It also revealed that the organization's management is currently reviewing the participation of Miss Universe Thailand, namely, Kanom Tarina Botes, in the Miss Universe 75th anniversary pageant to be held in Puerto Rico in November 2026, with the following statement.
“Urgent statement from the Miss Universe Organization:
Miss Universe Organization reiterates clearly that the only authorized official website to issue statements or communicate on behalf of MUO is www.missuniverseorg.com.
Any statements, announcements, publications, or communications disseminated through unauthorized channels should not be considered official communications of the organization unless explicitly confirmed via the official website.
The account currently circulating statements has been unlawfully seized and is no longer under MUO control.
That account is currently controlled and used without authorization by Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil and related parties, and is used to spread information that does not reflect the official stance of the organization.
Therefore, MUO urges national pageant directors, contestants, business partners, media representatives, all stakeholders, and the public not to heed or rely on information from unauthorized sources, and to trust only official information issued or confirmed by MUO through authorized channels.
Regarding the Global Town Hall on 2 September,
MUO firmly denies allegations that more than 10 national pageant directors were denied entry or removed from the National Directors’ Town Hall meeting on 2 September.
The meeting included participants from over 100 countries, with national pageant directors receiving direct and first-hand information from MUO executives on key international organizational matters, including the upcoming 75th anniversary Miss Universe pageant.
After the meeting, the organization received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participating countries, with attendees confirming they received complete information and appreciating the opportunity to hear directly from organizational leadership.
The only group denied access to the National Directors’ Town Hall was the Miss Universe Thailand franchise representatives, including Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil and his team.
This decision was due to recent conduct and behavior, including unfounded personal attacks on the organization and its executives.
MUO remains committed to professionalism, transparency, integrity, and mutual respect.
The organization will continue to uphold these principles and expects all individuals and entities associated with the Miss Universe brand to adhere to the standards of professionalism, responsibility, and values it sets.
Regarding Miss Universe Thailand’s participation,
MUO informs national directors, contestants, partners, stakeholders, and the international community that it is currently reviewing Miss Universe Thailand’s participation in the 75th anniversary Miss Universe pageant scheduled for November in Puerto Rico.
The organization reserves all related rights, including taking any measures deemed appropriate at the necessary time and manner, consistent with the rights and obligations under all parties’ contracts.
Until an official decision is announced, MUO requests all involved parties refrain from speculation or spreading unverified information and to rely solely on official MUO announcements.
MUO remains dedicated to its global mission, valuing national directors and contestants worldwide, and ensuring the success of the Miss Universe 75th anniversary celebration.”
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