4 Miss Grand International winners have their titles revoked

The Miss Grand International organization announced on its Facebook page on Monday that it had revoked Thae’s title, citing "inappropriate behavior" as the reason for the decision.

Miss Grand Myanmar 2024 Thae Su Nyein. Photo from Thae's Instagram

Prior to the statement, during the coronation night in Bangkok on Saturday, Thae, 17, was awarded the title of second runner-up, while the Philippines’ representative was named first runner-up, and India’s Rachel Gupta won the crown. However, following the announcement, Thae tearfully exited the event with her team, declining to participate in activities organized for the top five finalists.

On Instagram Live the next day, Thae expressed feeling robbed after failing to win two special awards—Best in National Costume and Country’s Power of the Year—according to ABS-CBN News. She explained that her tears were for her countrymen, who had hoped she would secure the national costume award and bring home the Country Power of the Year distinction for Myanmar.

Before Thae, three other titleholders of Miss Grand International were also dethroned.

Dominican Republic’s Anea Garcia, winner of Miss Grand International 2015

Anea Garcia, originally crowned Miss Grand International 2015. Photo from Miss Grand International's Facebook

Anea Garcia of the Dominican Republic, who was crowned Miss Grand International 2015, was stripped of her title five months later due to her alleged inability to fulfill her responsibilities. According to the Daily Mail, the pageant’s vice president Teresa Chaivisut stated that while the organization believed Garcia was the deserving winner, she struggled to meet her obligations as the reigning queen.

"First, her studies were in the way, making it very hard for us to schedule her activities," Chaivisut explained. "At several times we had to reschedule, cancel events, change or lose international flights."

Chaivisut added that Garcia had become "very demanding, always asking for things which were not promised or part of the contract she signed."

Following Garcia’s dethronement, Australia’s Claire Elizabeth Parker was chosen as her replacement for the 2015 title.

Australia’s Claire Elizabeth Parker, replacement winner of Miss Grand International 2015

Claire Elizabeth Parker crowned by Miss Grand International's President Nawat Itsaragrisil. Photo from Miss Grand International's Facebook

Parker, who was selected to replace Garcia, had her title stripped in 2019 after she registered to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.

Miss Grand International announced on Facebook that Parker had discussed entering another pageant with them, and despite their suggestion that this action was not suitable for her current title, she had decided to proceed with her plans.

"With our full respect to her decision which she decided to pursue her other path as such Miss Claire Elizabeth Parker will not be able to use the title of Miss Grand International 2015 or anything which is related to MGI trademark effective from now."

Mauritius’ Yuvna Rinishta, originally 5th runner-up of Miss Grand International 2022

Three days after the coronation of the 2022 pageant, the Miss Grand International organization announced on Facebook that Rinishta had decided to resign from her position as fifth runner-up, citing her inability to sign the contract and fulfill her duties.

"She can no longer use the title with immediate effects," the announcement stated.

Rinishta’s position was then given to Roberta Angela Tamondong from the Philippines.

Miss Grand International was founded in 2013 by Nawat Itsaragrisil, a Thai television host and producer. The pageant primarily focuses on humanitarian issues, with reigning titleholders dedicating their year to work as the organization’s spokesperson and participating in charity events related to these campaigns.

Contestants for each edition of the pageant are selected by franchise holders in their respective countries or territories, either through national contests, internal casting, or by being hand-picked.