Miss Universe Thailand defends ‘special dinner’ after Miss Universe Organization call out
Metro Manila, Philippines - Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) has defended its recent “Special Dinner & Talk Show” campaign after the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) released a statement that called out the event as unauthorized.
“As the officially licensed host organization, we hold the rights to manage and execute such promotional activities within our territory,” MUT said in an official statement on Monday, Nov. 3, referring to its hosting this year of the annual pageant.
The group also clarified that the social media ‘Like’ voting campaign, which invited fans to vote for their favorite candidates via Facebook and Instagram, was part of the marketing package authorized for the host country. It added that the voting process is meant to select delegates for specific activities fairly and transparently.
MUT said MUO’s earlier statement had “unfortunately led to public misunderstanding,” insisting that its actions were “fully within the rights and privileges granted” to it as the official host.
The clarification came after MUO, in a separate statement released Sunday, Nov. 2, said the “Special Dinner & Talk Show” and its related online campaigns “do not represent the values, operations, or official activities of the Miss Universe Organization.”
MUO further said any promotional materials or voting contests using the Miss Universe name without its approval were “unauthorized and misleading.”
The dispute comes just weeks before the Miss Universe 2025 competition begins in Bangkok.
On Sunday, Philippine bet Ahtisa Manalo arrived in the Thai capital as she aims to bring home the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown. The coronation night is on Nov. 21.
