India/Thailand-
On May 31st, 2025, Opal Suchata Chuangsri made history as the first Thai woman to be crowned Miss World 2025 at the grand finale held at the Hyderabad International Convention and Exhibition Centre (HITEX) in Hyderabad, India. The 22-year-old from Phuket, Thailand, outshone 108 contestants from around the globe in a dazzling event that celebrated beauty, culture, and purpose.
Opal, a communications graduate and advocate for breast cancer awareness, captivated the judges with her grace, intelligence, and compelling “Beauty with a Purpose” project, which focused on mental health support for underprivileged youth. Her traditional Thai-inspired performance, including a mesmerizing Thai dance, showcased Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and earned widespread praise.
The 72nd Miss World pageant, hosted in Hyderabad, culminated in a star-studded finale streamed live on SonyLIV in India and globally via the Miss World pay-per-view platform. The event, attended by Bollywood stars like Jacqueline Fernandez and Manushi Chhillar (Miss World 2017), was anchored by Stephanie del Valle (Miss World 2016) and Indian host Sachiin Kumbhar. Opal’s winning response to a question from judge Sonu Sood about personal responsibility resonated deeply: “We must become people our loved ones look up to. Our actions should always speak louder.”
India’s representative, Nandini Gupta, reached the Top 40 but did not advance to the Top 8, despite a strong performance in the Top Model Challenge. The runner-up was Hasset Dereje Admassu from Ethiopia, with Poland’s Maja Klajda and Martinique’s Aurelie Joachim as second and third runners-up, respectively.
Thailand erupted in celebration, with fans on social media expressing pride: “Opal has made history for Thailand! Her beauty and heart truly represent our nation.” Opal’s victory marks a triumphant moment for Thailand, with the new Miss World set to inspire globally during her reign.
