Miss Grand International President Nawat Itsaragrisil explains why Myanmar’s representative misses pageant title

Thae Su Nyein, Myanmar’s representative at the 2024 Miss Grand International pageant. Photo from Thae's Instagram

According to VTV, Itsaragrisil noted in a livestream that while Thae met many of the competition’s criteria and demonstrated effort, she was still lacking in key areas. He thus remarked that Thae’s performance only merited a place in the top 10, and awarding her the second runner-up title was "more than generous."

"Given her age, she performed well, but she lacks maturity," he said. "As we saw, she couldn’t stand stably, and when reporters tried to interview her, she disappeared."

He also noted that throughout the pageant, Thae continuously needed assistance with her luggage, appearance, and outfit choices, appearing almost mechanical in her actions. He saw her as someone who had difficulty maintaining her emotions and composure.

"Such a personality is not suited for the highest position, as a Miss Grand titleholder should be independent and self-reliant," he stated.

On Oct. 26, at this year’s MGI pageant coronation night in Bangkok, Thae, 17, was awarded the second runner-up title, while the Philippines’ representative placed first runner-up, and India’s Rachel Gupta took the crown. However, after the results were announced, Thae and her team left the event tearfully, declining to participate in the top-five activities.

During an Instagram Live the following day, Thae expressed disappointment over not winning two special awards—Best in National Costume and Country’s Power of the Year—according to ABS-CBN News.

Contestants from Brazil, Ecuador, and Honduras won the National Costume awards, and Thailand took the Country’s Power of the Year title.

On Oct. 28, the MGI organization announced that Thae’s title had been revoked, citing her "inappropriate behavior" as the reason.

Tensions between the MGI organization and its Myanmar franchise were further heightened when Myanmar’s national director Htoo Ant Lwin 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 accusation and threatened legal action unless Htoo, 29, provided evidence. He also accused Htoo of pressuring Thae to renounce her title.

Founded in 2013 by Itsaragrisil, a Thai television host and producer, MGI centers on humanitarian causes. Titleholders serve as spokespersons for the organization, participating in charity events to promote these campaigns throughout their reign.

Contestants are chosen by franchise holders in their respective countries or territories through national competitions, internal casting, or direct selection.