The hunt for the big crown is on. Miss Universe Thailand pageant is now back under a new team of national director, and they have their sights set on winning the much coveted Miss Universe crown.
On Tuesday, TPN 2018 team -- led by Somchai Cheewasutthanon, Piyaporn Sankosik, and Narong Lertkitsiri -- held a press conference at SF World Cinema, CentralWorld, to unveil their directions and introduced a new team of experts that will seek to groom the best of Thai young beauty queens to represent Thailand on the international stage. It's been 31 years since a Thai beauty queen has won the Miss Universe crown, which was Bui Simon in 1988, and before her Apasra Hongsakula, in 1965. It's high time the third queen is found.
TPN 2018 was previously the organiser of Miss Universe competition that was held last December in Thailand, receiving positive feedback worldwide for their efforts.
Now, they hold the rights to host Miss Universe Thailand for five consecutive years, taking over from previous national director Surang Prempree.
Somchai, CEO of TPN 2018, said the team has planned for Miss Universe Thailand 2019 to be a mini version of its international counterpart, aiming to emulate the process and training so contestants can familiarise themselves with how things are carried out in the pageant. He also expressed gratitude towards the former national director for her work towards the pageant. He vowed to do his best in the given five-year period.
With eyes on the crown, TPN 2018 has recruited a team of experts from different industries to help select and groom the would-be Miss Universe Thailand. Supermodel, actress and former beauty queen Metinee "Lukkade" Kingpayome was officially unveiled as the "headmaster" that will mentor and coach this year's contestants.
She was also joined by Adhit Dhirakittiwat from Surface, who will serve as costume director. Other members of their team include make-up artist Vinij Boonchaisri, Pan Pan Narkprasert (drag queen Pangina Heals), who will be runway coach, actress and acting coach Arisara Wongchalee, and many more. Judging from these names alone, it's clear that TPN 2018 means business.
Sixty contestants will be chosen to enter the competition, whereby they'll be trained by the team of experts on their walk, talk, stage performance and more. Reportedly, the Miss Universe Organization may also be involved in the selection process.
Miss Universe Thailand 2019 pageant is set to take place this June, with excursions planned in Samui and Pattaya. The swimsuit competition will be held on June 17, with swimwear provided by Bsc. The preliminary round will be on June 27. June 29 will see the queens taking their final walk where the winner will be determined.
For more information, visit facebook.com/missuniverse.in.th.
