Miss Grand Thailand Engfa Waraha disappointed by actions of Myanmar’s representative at Miss Grand International finals

Tien Phong Newspaper reported that Waraha shared in an interview with Thai news outlet Khaosod that she once admired Thae, 17, for her beauty, talent, and impressive performance in this year’s competition, despite her young age.

However, Thae’s behavior during the final night and how she and her team managed the situation at the 2024 MGI pageant then left her disappointed, Waraha said.

“I predicted that Myanmar’s representative [Thae] would make it to the top 3 due to her appearance,” Waraha said. “Therefore, the actions of the Miss Grand Myanmar team shocked me with their lack of professionalism in handling the issue.”

On Oct. 26, during the MGI coronation night in Bangkok, Thae was announced as the second runner-up. The Philippines’ representative secured the first runner-up position, while India’s Rachel Gupta was crowned the winner. Following the announcement, Thae and her team left the event in tears and did not participate in the top-five activities.

As reported by ABS-CBN NewsThae expressed her disappointment the next day through an Instagram Live session, citing her frustration at not winning the special awards for Best in National Costume and Country’s Power of the Year.

The National Costume awards were given to contestants from Brazil, Ecuador, and Honduras, while the Country’s Power of the Year title was awarded to Thailand.

On Oct. 28, the MGI organization announced that Thae’s second runner-up title had been revoked due to her “inappropriate behavior.”

Waraha noted that while it is understandable to aim for the highest title in a beauty pageant, contestants must be prepared to accept the results gracefully and display maturity when outcomes do not align with their expectations.

She added that Thailand has never won the highest title at MGI, despite being the host country, and has always accepted the results with poise.

“To stand on a global stage like this, professionalism is essential, no matter your age,” Waraha said.

Waraha also stated that MGI president Nawat Itsaragrisil likely recognized Thae’s potential and awarded her the second runner-up position, but Thae failed to make the most of the opportunity. Waraha expressed hope that Thae would eventually acknowledge her mistakes.

Waraha, 29, was born to a musician father and a Thai pop-country singer mother. She gained public attention through her participation in “The Voice Thailand 2018.”

She represented Thailand in the 2022 Miss Grand Thailand and finished as the first runner-up.

Currently, Waraha serves as the national director for the Miss Grand Thailand pageant.