Former Miss Grand Myanmar national director reportedly has authority to select Myanmar’s representative for Miss World

Miss Grand Myanmar Thae Su Nyein (R) and Htoo Ant Lwin, Myanmar’s former national director for the Miss Grand International pageant. Photo from Htoo's Instagram

According to Tien Phong Newspaper, on Nov. 21, Htoo posted on his Facebook account: "Who will be Miss World Myanmar 2025? It will be announced in December."

Htoo, 29, is now reportedly in possession of the Miss World franchise for Myanmar, a move that has surprised many. Speculation is also growing about whether Miss Grand Myanmar 2024 Thae Su Nyein, 17, will represent Myanmar at Miss World 2025, given her close relationship with Htoo.

Previously, Thae had expressed her intention to compete in the 2025 Miss Cosmo pageant after being stripped of her second runner-up title at this year’s Miss Grand International competition.

On Oct. 26, during the final night of Miss Grand International, Thae was named second runner-up, behind representatives from the Philippines and India, who took first runner-up and winner respectively. However, Thae left the event visibly upset with her team shortly after the announcement, opting not to participate in the activities planned for the top five finalists.

In an Instagram live stream the following day, Thae announced she would return her crown, stating that she felt cheated out of two special awards: Best in National Costume and Country’s Power of the Year, as reported by ABS-CBN News. The Best National Costume awards were given to contestants from Brazil, Ecuador, and Honduras, while Thailand received the Country’s Power of the Year award.

On Oct. 28, the MGI organization announced on its Facebook page that it had rescinded Thae’s title due to "inappropriate behavior."

MGI president Nawat Itsaragrisil, 51, then accused Htoo of pressuring Thae to renounce her title.

Meanwhile, Htoo accused Itsaragrisil of accepting US$25,000 from an Indonesian pageant official in exchange for a crown, according to The Straits Times. Itsaragrisil denied the allegation and threatened legal action unless Htoo, 29, provided evidence.

Founded in 2013 by Itsaragrisil, a Thai television host and producer, Miss Grand International is known for its emphasis on humanitarian efforts, with winners advocating for charitable causes during their reign. Contestants are selected through national competitions, internal casting, or direct selection by franchise holders in their countries or territories.