Thailand's Opal Suchata Chuangsri crowned Miss World
This marks Thailand's maiden win at the iconic beauty pageant, now in its 72nd year.
Opal, just 22, outshone 107 other contestants from around the world and received her crown from outgoing queen Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic.
The grand event, hosted at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, was a spectacle of colour, music, and culture. Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter added even more sparkle to the night, according to New Indian Express.
Opal's victory is a moment of pride for Southeast Asia and a story of hope for young women everywhere. 'After waiting 72 years for our first crown, it's an incredible honour to bring it home,' Opal said.
'I now have the opportunity as Miss World to travel and support important projects around the world. I'm excited to make an impact'.
As the field narrowed to the final two, Opal felt a strange calm. 'It was the most intense moment, yet I felt calm. I knew my people were proud of me for reaching that far. It felt like a dream,' she recalled.
Opal's gown became a talking point of the evening, as she wore a delicate white dress adorned with opal-like florals. These symbolise both healing and strength.
'The shimmering white fabric and delicate opal-like florals reflect women who choose hope over fear,' Opal explained on Instagram. 'Just like the opal, I shine in my light.
Her 'Opal For HER' campaign, which inspired the gown, champions women's resilience and transformation.
The Swarovski crystals on her dress, she said, 'sparkle like the inner light that guides us through darkness'.
As Miss World, Opal plans to focus on causes close to her heart, including breast cancer awareness. 'If you believe in your purpose, you're already extraordinary,' she told reporters.
India, the host nation, had pinned its hopes on Nandini Gupta. She made it to the Top 40 but missed out on the final eight.
The disappointment was palpable, but the event itself was a showcase of unity and global talent.
Opal's win is a reminder that with hope, compassion, and self-belief, anything is possible. As she put it, 'The soft flare mirrors the ripple effect of compassion—how one heart can awaken many'.
The new Miss World will now embark on a year-long journey, supporting humanitarian projects and inspiring a new generation of women.
Her message is clear: shine in your light, and never stop dreaming.
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