BANGKOK — Thailand has crowned its newest Miss Universe representative.
Tharina “Khanom” Botes, representing Bangkok, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 on August 23 at MGI Hall in Bangkok, earning the opportunity to represent Thailand at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico later this year.
Her victory caps more than a decade of pageant experience and gives Botes another opportunity to compete on the international stage—this time with Thailand behind her.
From Bangkok Crown to the Miss Universe Stage
Botes emerged from a field of 77 contestants to claim the national title. Suttida Iadpoo of Phuket was named first runner-up, while Helena Sarakan of Udon Thani finished as second runner-up.
The result came after Botes delivered a strong performance throughout the competition, including the final question-and-answer round. Thairath reported that she won over both the judges and the audience during the finale.
Her victory was followed by a new chapter: preparation for one of the world’s most watched international beauty competitions.
A Pageant Journey More Than a Decade in the Making
Botes is no newcomer to international pageantry.
Born to a Thai mother and South African father, she began competing in beauty contests in South Africa before eventually building her career in Thailand. Pageant Circle reported that she was raised in Johannesburg and studied commerce and economics.
Her earlier pageant résumé includes appearances at Miss International 2016, Miss South Africa 2018, Miss World 2023 and MGI All Stars.
Her path has included both victories and near-misses.
She reached the Top 12 at Miss South Africa 2018 and later competed in Thailand, where she finished among the finalists at Miss Grand Thailand. She also previously placed as first runner-up at Miss Universe Thailand in 2021.
That long experience could prove valuable as she prepares for the global Miss Universe stage.
Her Thailand Story Adds Another Layer
Botes’ connection to Thailand is central to her pageant journey.
After moving to Thailand in 2019, she continued competing in the country’s pageant circuit and eventually won Miss Thailand World 2023, allowing her to represent Thailand at Miss World.
Her latest victory therefore represents more than another crown. It marks the culmination of several years of competition in Thailand and another opportunity to compete internationally under the Thai flag.
Catriona Gray Is Among Her Inspirations
During the Miss Universe Thailand final, Botes was asked which Miss Universe winner had inspired her most.
Her answer was Catriona Gray, the Philippines’ Miss Universe 2018.
Botes praised Gray’s stage presence, communication skills and determination, and described her as an inspiration for her own pageant journey. She also expressed affection for the Philippines during her answer.
Gray subsequently congratulated Botes on social media, adding another memorable moment to the newly crowned queen’s victory.
A Tough Road Ahead in Puerto Rico
Winning the national crown is only the beginning.
Botes will now prepare for the 75th Miss Universe competition, which is scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico in November 2026.
The international field is expected to include contestants from more than 100 countries and territories, making the competition significantly different from the national pageant she has just won.
Her extensive pageant experience could give her an advantage, but the international competition will test far more than stage performance. Communication, interviews, public presence and the ability to connect with audiences will all become important parts of the journey.
Thailand Has Another Global Pageant Story to Watch
Botes’ Miss Universe campaign also comes at an interesting moment for Thailand’s pageant scene.
In 2025, Thailand celebrated a historic Miss World victory through Suchata Chuangsri, who became the first Thai woman to win the Miss World title. Chuangsri crowned her successor at the 2026 Miss World finale in Vietnam earlier this month.
Now attention turns to Botes and whether Thailand can make another major impact on the international pageant stage.
For Botes, the journey is particularly personal.
She has competed for years, experienced both victories and setbacks, and returned to the Miss Universe Thailand competition after previously finishing as runner-up.
Now she has the crown.
The next question is no longer whether Tharina Botes can win Miss Universe Thailand—it is whether the seasoned Thai-South African queen can turn her long pageant journey into Thailand’s next major Miss Universe breakthrough.
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