Thailand hails Miss Universe Thailand 2026
Thailand on Monday night welcomed a new beauty queen. Tharina “Khanom” Botes, a Thai-South African beauty representing Bangkok, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 at MGI HALL on the sixth floor of BRAVO BKK shopping centre.
Botes’ victory marks another chapter in a pageant career spanning more than a decade. Born to a Thai mother and South African father, she began competing in pageants in South Africa before representing that country at Miss International 2016 and being a finalist at Miss South Africa 2018.
Botes is crowned by Miss Universe Thailand 2025, Praveenar “Veena” Singh. (Photo: GrandTV)
Botes was crowned by her predecessor, Miss Universe Thailand 2025 Praveenar “Veena” Singh, following an evening of competition that saw 77 contestants vie for the title.
The 29-year-old pageant veteran stood out throughout the competition, but it was her final answer that helped secure the crown.
(Photo: GrandTV)
When asked which Miss Universe had inspired her most, Botes named Catriona Gray, praising the Filipina beauty queen’s confidence, eloquence and resilience.
Having competed in Miss Grand Thailand 2019 and finished second in Miss Universe Thailand 2021, Botes drew on Gray’s similar journey from an unsuccessful Miss World campaign to eventually winning Miss Universe. “Rejection is just redirection,” she said.
From left: Suttida Ladpu of Phuket, Helena Sarakan of Udon Thani and Tharina Botes of Bangkok. (Photo: GrandTV)
The first runner-up was Suttida Ladpu of Phuket, while Helena Sarakan of Udon Thani was second runner-up.
The final was hosted by Matthew Dean, with judges including former Miss Universe Thailand winners Paweensuda “Fahsai” Druin and Charm Osathanond, actress and physician Lallana “Jeab” Kongtoranin, Engfa Waraha, Vanessa Pulgarin, Nguyen Huong Giang and Pla Prapatsorn.
SVRN’s performance at the event. (Photo: GrandTV)
The evening also featured performances by SVRN, including an English-language rendition of “Neung Nai Roi”, following a special opening performance by Singh.
Botes also received one of four Best National Costume awards for her “THAI TASTE: Siamese Cuisine” ensemble.
Now, Botes will turn her attention to the international stage. She will represent Thailand at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this November.
Tharina Botes’ “Siamese Cuisine” outfit. (Photo: Tharina Botes)
Source – Bangkok News
