Suchata "Opal" Chuangsri of Thailand crowned Miss World 2025 in historic win

Thai beauty queen Suchata "Opal" Chuangsri was crowned Miss World 2025 on Saturday evening, marking a landmark moment as Thailand secured its first-ever victory in the global pageant.

The 72nd Miss World competition was held at the HITEX Convention Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, with 108 contestants from around the world. The event culminated in a grand coronation by outgoing Miss World 2024, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic.

Opal, 22, is a political science student at Thammasat University, specialising in international relations. She is also the founder of the “Opal for Her” initiative, a breast cancer advocacy campaign she has led for over three years.

In her victory speech, Opal said, “This moment is not just a personal victory; it is a shared dream of every young girl who wants to be seen, heard and to create change. I am honoured to represent this legacy and use my time as Miss World to make a real difference,” as quoted on missworld.com.

Miss World Organisation chairwoman Julia Morley praised Opal’s character, stating, “Opal has shown us that she is more than a winner — she is a woman of purpose, with a voice the world is ready to hear.”

The pageant began with a colourful display of national costumes, followed by a segment in which contestants showcased elegant evening gowns. Participants were later shortlisted into a top 40, divided by continent into groups representing the Americas & Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia & Oceania.

Thailand's Opal secured her place in the top 40 through a fast-track event, winning first place in the Asia & Oceania Multimedia Challenge. This propelled her forward into the next phase of competition.

The top 20 contestants were announced thereafter, featuring five representatives from each continental group. These included standout contestants from countries such as Brazil, Ethiopia, Poland, India, and the United States.

Eventually, the field was narrowed to the top four. Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia was named first runner-up, followed by Poland’s Maja Klajda as second runner-up, and Martinique’s Aurélie Joachim as third runner-up.

Opal, who stands 180 centimetres tall, hails from Phuket, where her family runs a local business in the island’s Old Town district. Fluent in Thai, English, and Chinese, she has expressed ambitions to expand “Opal for Her” globally using the Miss World platform.

Her project focuses on raising awareness about breast cancer, especially among young women, and providing support for those affected by the disease.

The Miss World competition, established in 1951, remains one of the oldest and most prestigious international beauty pageants. It emphasises “beauty with a purpose,” rewarding contestants who demonstrate a commitment to social causes alongside grace and presentation.

This year’s competition highlighted diverse cultures and voices, aligning with the Miss World Organisation’s mission to foster global understanding and service through advocacy.

Thailand has previously placed well in the Miss World pageant, but this win places the Southeast Asian nation in the global spotlight for its growing presence in international beauty competitions.

Opal’s victory is expected to boost interest in pageantry and social advocacy within Thailand, particularly among young women inspired by her message of empowerment and global citizenship.

As Miss World 2025, Opal will now undertake international engagements, charity events, and promotional tours over the coming year. Her campaign is anticipated to bring further visibility to women’s health issues and the importance of access to care.

Her success also serves as a proud moment for Thammasat University, one of Thailand’s most prestigious academic institutions, known for fostering leaders in public service and international affairs.

With her advocacy, multilingual skills, and grace under pressure, Opal begins her reign as Miss World with a powerful mandate and a hopeful message of unity, compassion, and action.