THAI

 THAI

นางสาวไทย 1984 

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1959

Sodsai Vanijvadhana (สดใส วานิชวัฒนา) was appointed by the Royal Thai Consul in Los Angeles to represent Thailand in the Miss Universe 1959 pageant held in Long Beach, California. Born and raised in Bangkok, Sodsai graduated with honors, obtaining a bachelor of arts degree. She soon relocated to California as an exchange student pursuing a master's degree in theater. At the time of her appointment, she has already performed in a number of theater productions and has made appearances in American TV shows under the stage name "Sondi Sodsai". Using her stage name, the petite beauty was notable in the pageant for her exotic looks and vivacious charisma, and won the Miss Friendship award, which was voted by her fellow candidates.

After the pageant, Sodsai continued her work in theater and music in the United States. She soon returned to Thailand and founded a dramatic arts school, becoming a pioneer in western-style drama training in her country.

1965

Apasra Hongsakula (อาภัสรา หงสกุล) won the title of Miss Thailand 1964 (นางสาวไทย 2507). Apasra was born and raised in Bangkok and is the daughter of a colonel in the Royal Thai Air Force. Before winning the national title, Apasra was a high school student attending classes in Penang, Malaysia. The petite beauty soon became Thailand's delegate in the Miss Universe 1965 pageant held in Miami, Florida. Noted for exotic looks and royal serenity, Apasra became a favorite during the pageant. After being announced as being among Top 15 semi-finalists, the Thai beauty captivated the audience and judges with her charm and eventually won the title of Miss Universe 1965.   

Pageant trivia from the CBS TV show To Tell the Truth, 1966

Before Miss Thailand 1964 Apasra Hongsakula left for Miami Beach to compete in the Miss Universe 1965 pageant, she was summoned by Her Royal Majesty, Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

Queen Sirikit, who is well known for her grace, fashion and style, personally gave Apasra tips on how to walk with grace and dignity, and even advised on how she should style her hair.

The queen's royal advice seem to gave Apasra good luck as she was noticed by the press, pageant officials and judges as she eventually won Thailand's first Miss Universe title.

1984

The Miss Thailand pageant made a return in 1984 after a 10-year hiatus. Savinee Pargarnung (สาวิณี ปะการะนัง) won the title of Miss Thailand 1984 (นางสาวไทย 2527). Born in Bangkok, Savinee and her family moved to Los Angeles, California at a young age. She then relocated back in Thailand to compete in the Miss Thailand 1984 pageant. At the time she won the national pageant, she was a taking a break from her studies in Los Angeles. Savinee soon became Thailand's delegate in the Miss Universe 1984 pageant held in Miami, Flordia. A favorite during the pageant, she finished among the Top 10 semi-finalists.

1988

Porntip Nakhirunkanok (ภรณ์ทิพย์ นาคหิรัญกนก) won the title of Miss Thailand 1988 (นางสาวไทย 2531). Born in Bangkok, Porntip and her family moved to Los Angeles, California at a young age. She then relocated back in Thailand to compete in the Miss Thailand 1988 pageant. At the time she won the national pageant, she was a taking a break from her psychology degree in Los Angeles. Porntip soon became Thailand's delegate in the Miss Universe 1988 pageant held in Taipei, Republic of China. A favorite during the pageant, she was awarded Best in National Costume. After being announced as among the Top 10 semi-finalists, Porntip impressed the audience with her poise and eloquence, topping all 3 rounds during the pageant finals. She eventually won the title of Miss Universe 1988, becoming the second Thai delegate to win the title.

2010

Fonthip Watcharatrakul (ฝนทิพย์ วัชรตระกูล) won the title of Miss Thailand Universe 2010. Fonthip hails from the province of Samut Prakan and at the time she won the national title, was pursuing a law degree. She soon represented Thailand in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada. With her exotic looks and vivacious charisma, she became a favorite during the pageant.  She won 2 special awards, both of which were voted by fans via the internet: Miss Photogenic and Best in National Costume. Her national costume is a tribute to the elephant, which is of great cultural significance in Thailand.

After the pageant, Fonthip became active in the Thai entertainment industry as a TV actress.

2014

Pimbongkod Chankaew (พิมบงกช จันทร์แก้ว) finished as the 1st runner-up of the Miss Universe Thailand 2014 pageant. Born in Los Angeles, California as Allison Sansom, she comes from a multicultural family; her American father is of German descent while her mother is Thai. After her first year of college, she relocated to Thailand to reconnect with her Thai heritage while also being a volunteer English teacher in the countryside. Pimbongkod soon ascended to the title of Miss Universe Thailand 2014 after the original winner resigned after receiving public criticism regarding political remarks she made on her social media page. The statuesque beauty soon represented Thailand in the Miss Universe 2014 pageant held in Miami, Florida.

2017

Maria Poonlertlarp (มารีญา พูลเลิศลาภ) won the title of Miss Universe Thailand 2017. Born in Bangkok, as Maria Ehren, she comes from a multicultural family; her father is Swedish while her mother of Thai and Chinese ancestry. She is fluent in Thai, English, Swedish and Mandarin. Maria started modeling at a young age and has also released a music album. After completing her bachelor's and master's degree in marketing abroad, she returned to Thailand and became a volunteer in an organization that supports teenage mothers who wished to continue their education. The statuesque beauty soon became Thailand's delegate in the Miss Universe 2017 held in Las Vegas, Nevada. With her stage presence and excellent modeling skills, she became a huge favorite during the pageant, eventually finishing among the Top 5 finalists.

After the pageant, Maria continued her modeling career and has also appeared as an actress in local TV shows.

2019

Paweensuda Drouin (ปวีณสุดา ดรูอิ้น) won the title of Miss Universe Thailand 2019. She won the title on her second attempt finishing as 2nd runner-up during the Miss Universe Thailand 2017 pageant. Nicknamed "Fahsai", she comes from a mixed background; her mother is Thai-Chinese while her Canadian father is of French descent. Spending her time between Canada and Thailand, Fahsai has competed in a number of local beauty titles in Thailand while completing her kinesiology degree in Canada. At the time she won the national title, she was based in Bangkok working as a disc jockey while also doing acting and modeling jobs. The statuesque beauty soon became Thailand's delegate in the Miss Universe 2019 pageant held in Atlanta, Georgia. Noted for her stage presence and playful charisma, Fahsai became the top contender during the pageant, eventually finishing among the Top 5 finalists.

2020

Amanda Obdam (อแมนด้า ออบดัม) won the title of Miss Universe Thailand 2020. Born in Phuket, she comes from a multiracial background; her mother is Thai while her Canadian father is of Dutch descent. After completing her secondary education in Thailand, Amanda moved to Toronto, Canada where she graduated with a business degree. She moved back to Thailand, where she competed in several local beauty titles. At the time she won the national title, she was based in Bangkok doing acting and modeling jobs. Amanda soon became Thailand's representative in the Miss Universe 2020 pageant held in Hollywood, Florida. The stunning, mixed-race beauty became a favorite during the pageant, eventually finishing among the Top 10 semi-finalists.

Maggie Cheung is probably the most successful Miss Hong Kong alumni in the field of entertainment and acting.

Maggie Cheung (張曼玉) finished as 1st runner-up during the TVB Miss Hong Kong 1983 pageant (香港小姐). Born in Hong Kong, Maggie and her family relocated to London, United Kingdom, where she and her family stayed until her teenage years. She then moved back to Hong Kong, becoming a model and soon competed in the Miss Hong Kong 1983 pageant. Maggie became Hong Kong's representative in the Miss World 1983 pageant held in London, United Kingdom and was among the Top 15 semi-finalists.

After the pageant, Maggie embarked on an acting career back in Hong Kong, appearing in films and TV shows. She would become a celebrated actress in Hong Kong, having won many acting awards and has also worked in many films abroad.

Michelle Reis is hailed as the most beautiful Miss Hong Kong titleholder.

Michelle Monique Reis (李嘉欣) won the TVB Miss Hong Kong 1988 pageant (香港小姐). Born in Macau, she comes from a mixed-background; her father is of Portuguese descent while her Chinese mother is originally from Shanghai. At the time she won title, she had been doing modeling jobs while completing her secondary education. 

Months later, the mixed-race beauty soon competed as Miss Hong Kong in the inaugural Miss Chinese International pageant (國際華裔小姐競選) that invites Chinese-descent contestants from all around the world and is also produced by TVB. With her stunning looks and vivacious charisma, Michelle won the pageant and became the first Miss Chinese International titleholder. She would again compete as Miss Hong Kong in the Miss World 1988 pageant held in London, United Kingdom.

After her reign, Michelle started her acting career in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Aside from acting in TV shows and films, Michelle also modeled for popular local advertisements.