In 2000, Surang Prampree was the only person who awarded the rights to host the Miss Thailand Universe pageant and to send a Thai representative to compete at Miss Universe. This came after the Miss Thailand Organization lost its license from the Miss Universe Organization. Kulthida Yenprasert was crowned the first Miss Thailand Universe in March 2000. In 2012, The name of the pageant was changed to Miss Universe Thailand and was broadcast on Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Channel 5 instead of Bangkok Broadcasting & T.V. Co., Ltd. until 2013. In 2014, Miss Universe Thailand pageant moved to broadcast on Channel 3. In 2019, Surang Prampree was replaced by TPN 2018 Co., Ltd. by Somchai Cheewasutthanon as the new national director of Miss Universe Thailand. Officially for a period of 5 consecutive years
Performance at Miss Universe
Since the formation of the Miss Universe Thailand franchise in 2000, Thailand has placed seven times. In recent years, Thailand has had success at Miss Universe. Since 2015, Thailand has placed consecutively in the semifinals at Miss Universe, with two top 10 finishes in 2015 and 2018, and three top 5/6 finishes in 2016, 2017, and 2019. In 2005, Thailand hosted the Miss Universe pageant, making it the second time the country had hosted the contest; the first time being in 1992. Chananporn Rosjan, Miss Thailand Universe 2005, won the Best National Costume award in her country. She is the first Miss Thailand Universe that received the special award at the Miss Universe pageant. The following year, Charm Osathanond advanced to the top 20 at Miss Universe 2006 in Los Angeles. Osathanond was the first Thai representative to advance to the semifinals in 18 years, since Porntip Nakhirunkanok won in 1988. At the Miss Universe 2007 contest held in Mexico City, Farung Yuthithum advanced to the top 15, marking the second year in a row that Thailand made the semifinals. At Miss Universe 2015 held in Las Vegas, Aniporn Chalermburanawong placed in the top 15, finishing in the top 10. This was Thailand’s first placement since 2007 and first top 10 finish since 1988. The following year, Chalita Suansane advanced to the top 13 after winning the online vote at Miss Universe 2016 held in Manila. Suansane finished in the top 6. At Miss Universe 2017 in Las Vegas, Maria Ehren, a heavy favorite to win, advanced to the top 16 and finished in the top 5. Ehren’s top 5 finish was Thailand’s highest placement in 29 years, since Porntip Nakhirankanok won at Miss Universe 1988. Thailand hosted Miss Universe 2018 in Bangkok, marking the third time the country hosted the pageant. Sophida Kanchanarin advanced to the top 20, finishing in the top 10. Kanchanarin is the first Thai representative to advance to the top 10 as host country at Miss Universe. At Miss Universe 2019 held in Atlanta, Paweensuda Drouin, a heavy favorite for the crown, advanced to the top 20 and finished in the top 5. This is the fifth consecutive year Thailand has placed at Miss Universe, with Drouin continuing a fifth year with top ten and higher placements.
Editions
Below is the complete list of Miss Universe Thailand editions.
*** Due to the political crisis in 1973, the Miss Thailand pageant was not held; The national director in that time hand-picked Benjamas Ponpasvijan to represent Thailand in 1974 and later held the small pageant called Miss Thailand Universe from 1975 to 1983 when the Miss Universe license returned to the Miss Thailand pageant organizers.
**** In 1996 Miss Thailand wasn't held; Niratchla Khamya, Top 10 in Miss Thailand 1995 was selected to represent Thailand in the Miss Universe pageant.
