Miss U Organization strips Thailand’s Opal of her 3rd runner-up title

THAI beauty queen Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri no longer holds the Miss Universe 2024 third runner-up title due to breach of contract, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced.

In a statement on its website, the MUO said it recently found that TPN Global, the organizer of the Miss Universe Thailand competition, did not comply with the protocols of the National Directors when it sent Opal to compete in another beauty competition while she is still completing her stint as Miss Universe third runner-up.

The MUO emphasized that being a Miss Universe winner is not just an honor but also a responsibility that “requires dedication and respect for the commitments agreed upon.”

“For this reason, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw the third runner-up title from the person who had been honored with it, due to the breach of her contractual obligations by participating in an external pageant,” it said.

While the MUO made no mention of Opal’s name in its statement, the Thai bet was named third runner-up in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant held in Mexico last November.

On Tuesday, April 22, Opal was named Miss World Thailand 2025 in a ceremony held in Bangkok.

“This decision underscores our expectation that all winners fulfill their duties throughout their entire reign,” The MUO said. “The actions of the ND compromise the decorum and professionalism of the Queen’s full 12-month service.”

The organization also said it would enforce “strict regulations” for all National Directors starting May 1, concerning titleholders participating in other pageants during their reign.

“Our shared goal is to empower the Miss Universe family to maintain mutual respect, faith, and trust among all its members,” it stressed. 

It continued, “Our primary mission is to inspire and empower through the Miss Universe brand, providing opportunities for the personal and professional growth of all involved.”

Miss World Thailand 2025

With her new title, Opal aims to bring home her country’s first crown in the 72nd Miss World competition. 

Miss World is one of the “Big 4” pageants, along with Miss Universe, Miss International, and Miss Earth. The pageant’s 2025 edition will be held from May 7 to 31 in Telangana, India.

Opal said in her speech as the new Miss World Thailand that she hopes to bring home her country’s first crown from the pageant, as she advocates for breast cancer awareness.

“I may only have 15 days before I depart on this journey ahead, but I carry with me a lifetime purpose. I carry with me the spirits of my people, and most importantly, I carry with me the heart that is ready to serve for the better good of this world,” the Gen Z beauty queen said.

Opal will compete against Filipina beauty queen Krishnah Gravidez for the Miss World crown. Whoever wins in the competition will succeed Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic.