On a dazzling Saturday night in Hyderabad, Telangana, Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri made history by being crowned Miss World 2025, marking the first time her country has ever won this prestigious global title. The grand finale of the 72nd Miss World pageant, held at the HITEX Convention Centre, brought together 108 contestants from around the world, but it was Chuangsri who captivated the judges and audience alike with her grace, intelligence, and heartfelt answers.
Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri’s journey to the crown was nothing short of remarkable. At just 21 years old, she hails from a family deeply rooted in Phuket’s hotel industry and has been fluent in English since attending international schools early on. Additionally, she is proficient in Chinese, having graduated from Bangkok’s Triam Udom Suksa School with a specialization in the language. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in International Relations at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Political Science, aspiring to become a diplomat—a goal that aligns beautifully with her new role as a global ambassador for Thailand.
The competition’s atmosphere was electric, beginning with a vibrant parade of national costumes and an elegant evening gown showcase organized by continent. From the initial 108 contestants, the field was narrowed down to 40 finalists divided into four continental groups: the Americas & Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia & Oceania. Chuangsri secured first place in the Asia & Oceania Multimedia Challenge, which automatically advanced her into the top 40.
As the contest progressed, the top 20 finalists were announced, followed by the final eight, which included representatives from Brazil, Martinique, Ethiopia, Namibia, Poland, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Thailand. During this critical phase, the contestants faced the question: "Do you believe you deserve to be Miss World and the representative of Asia & Oceania?" Chuangsri’s response was both poetic and profound. She likened her role to tending a flower garden, explaining that while anyone can water plants, creating a truly beautiful and sustainable garden requires consistent nurturing. She emphasized that being Miss Asia & Oceania was not just about holding a title but about standing by people’s sides and being a beacon of hope through the Beauty with a Purpose programme.
Her heartfelt answer resonated deeply with the judges and the audience, setting the stage for the final four contestants to answer one last pivotal question: "How has this journey taught you about truth and personal responsibility in shaping the stories that are told?" When asked by judge Sonu Sood, Chuangsri responded with eloquence and sincerity: "Be the person that someone or the other will look up to." She elaborated, "I always believe that no matter who you are and no matter how old you are, no matter what title you hold in your life, there is always a person next to you—whether it's a child, whether it's an adult, it could even be your own parents—that look up to you in a way. And the best way to lead people is to lead with their gracefulness in your actions. That is the best thing we can do to the people around us and in our world."
This powerful message of leadership through kindness and action sealed her victory, as she was crowned by last year’s Miss World, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic. Chuangsri’s win was historic not just for Thailand but for Asia & Oceania, as she proudly brought home the crown after her people had waited for more than 72 years for this moment.
The runner-up was Hasset Dereje Admassu from Ethiopia, who made history as the first Ethiopian to reach this far in the Miss World competition. Dereje expressed immense pride in representing her country and the hope she brings to many, saying, "A lot of people think Miss World is just another pageant, another beauty contest. But it is more than that. There are so many children and mothers behind me that get so many things from me from standing here. I am the first ever Ethiopian to ever make it this far and I hold so much pride in it." She was followed by Maja Klajda of Poland as second runner-up and Aurelie Joachim of Martinique as third runner-up.
Throughout the evening, the event was hosted by Miss World 2016 Stephanie del Valle and Indian presenter Sachiin Kumbhar. The ceremony was graced by high-profile guests including Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Bollywood superstar Chiranjeevi. Entertainment highlights featured Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter performing a vibrant medley of Hindi and Telugu hits, including the Oscar-winning number Naatu Naatu.
The panel of judges was equally distinguished, led by Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman of Miss World, and included Sudha Reddy, Global Ambassador for Beauty With a Purpose 2025; actor Namrata Shirodkar; Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar; and Telangana’s Special Chief Secretary for Tourism, Jayesh Ranjan. Actor Rana Daggubati also presented the Miss World Humanitarian Award to Sonu Sood for his impactful contributions to society.
One of the evening’s most meaningful recognitions, the Beauty with a Purpose Award, was presented to Monica Kezia Sembiring from Indonesia, highlighting the pageant’s commitment to social causes beyond glamour and beauty.
Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri’s victory is a testament to her intelligence, poise, and dedication to making a meaningful impact on the world stage. Her eloquent answers during the question rounds, combined with her impressive academic background and multilingual abilities, set her apart as a truly deserving winner. Her crown symbolizes not only personal achievement but also a proud moment for Thailand and the broader Asian community.
As she accepted the crown, Chuangsri expressed her excitement and disbelief, stating, "I was very excited, especially when they were announcing all the girls and their placements, and when I was announced the winner, I still couldn't believe it. I was very confused because it was so unreal, because my people and I've been waiting for the first crown of Miss World for more than 72 years. It is such an honour to be able to bring back home the first crown. The moment I was crowned, all I thought about was the faces of my family, my people, my team and everyone. I cannot wait to really bring this crown back to Thailand..."
Her triumph is a powerful reminder that beauty pageants today celebrate more than just physical appearance—they honor intelligence, compassion, and the ability to inspire and lead. With her new title, Chuangsri is poised to be an influential global ambassador, championing causes that matter and inspiring countless young women around the world.
