Myanmar’s Thae Su Nyein makes first public appearance after losing Miss Grand International 2nd runner-up title

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

Thae appeared at the Monday event dressed in a black gown, with her hair and makeup done impeccably. She was accompanied by Htoo Ant Lwin, Myanmar’s national director for the Miss Grand International pageant, who was dressed in a black t-shirt and trousers.

The duo was seen smiling in photographs taken at the event.

This year’s Miss Grand International pageant was marked by controversy involving the organization and Myanmar after Thae announced via an Instagram live on Oct. 27 that she would return her crown. She expressed feeling cheated out of winning two special awards—Best in National Costume and Country’s Power of the Year, reported ABS-CBN News.

The awards for Best National Costume went to contestants from Brazil, Ecuador, and Honduras, while Thailand secured the Country’s Power of the Year title.

During the coronation event on the previous day, Thae was declared second runner-up. Representatives from the Philippines and India were named first runner-up and winner, respectively. However, Thae left the event in tears with her team shortly after the announcement, opting out of the subsequent activities planned for the top five finalists.

The Miss Grand International organization announced on its Facebook page on Oct. 28 that it had revoked Thae’s title, citing "inappropriate behavior" as the reason for the decision.

Adding to the tension, Htoo claimed that Nawat Itsaragrisil, the president of MGI, had solicited $25,000 for a pageant title and had accepted money from officials of the Indonesian pageant. Itsaragrisil has since denied these allegations.

Miss Grand International, established in 2013 by Itsaragrisil, a Thai television host and producer, emphasizes humanitarian efforts. Winners advocate for the organization’s charitable causes throughout their reign.

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