MGI President promises runner-up crown to contestant with most money spent on votes, faces backlash for ‘selling prizes’

Miss Grand International (MGI) organization president Nawat Itsaragrisil (L) stands next to the titleholder of the 2024 MGI pageant. Photo from Itsaragrisil's Instagram

According to Tuoi Tre Newspaper, during the 2025 Miss Grand International public voting campaign event on Wednesday, Itsaragrisil revealed that fans could cast paid votes for their favorite contestants to win the Miss Popular Vote title. He further stated that the winner of this category would secure a spot in the top 10 and could achieve the title, or at least, be assured of the 5th runner-up position.

At the event, audience members were actively encouraged to participate in "buying votes" by donating cash, writing checks, or scanning QR codes provided for bank transfers. In some instances, supporters even walked up to the stage to hand money directly to Itsaragrisil, who would then announce the country of the contestant they were supporting. The nearly hour-long voting period saw contestant rankings constantly displayed on a big screen, motivating the audience to contribute more money to boost their favorite contestant’s position.

Notably, the U.K. representative received a substantial 100,000 baht (US$3,064) in contributions, while contestants from Myanmar, Colombia, Venezuela, Sweden, and Thailand saw donations ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 baht.

Itsaragrisil’s remarks sparked widespread criticism, with many pageant fans questioning the integrity of the competition. Critics argue that the open conversion of cash donations into votes undermines the pageant’s original purpose, which is to honor beauty and intellect, not financial influence. Social media users voiced their discontent, with comments such as, "What am I watching?" and "This is just a way to enrich Nawat."

Others expressed disappointment with the pageant, referring to it as a "cooking show" and questioning if it had become a contest of who has the most money rather than who has the most deserving qualities.

As of the semifinal round, the Miss Popular Vote standings showed Colombia in the lead with 22% of the votes, followed by Sweden with 18%, Tanzania with 15%, Myanmar with 8%, and Thailand with 7%. Other countries like Panama, Guatemala, the U.K., Malaysia, and the Philippines also received votes.

Voting for the Miss Popular Vote category will continue until the grand finale on Saturday.

Itsaragrisil, a 53-year-old Thai television host and producer, founded MGI in 2013, a pageant originally said to emphasize humanitarian causes, with titleholders acting as spokespeople for charitable campaigns. Contestants are selected by national franchise holders through competitions, internal casting, or direct appointment.