The sudden decision to remove Cambodia as the co-host for Miss Grand International (MGI) 2024 and shift the entire event to Bangkok on October 8 has ignited a wave of criticism and disappointment from Cambodian netizens, who say it was unfair to Cambodia.
Originally, Cambodia had secured a co-hosting license, planning to host half of the event activities from October 3 to 14, while Thailand was scheduled to host the remainder from October 15 to 26.
Im Sokunthea, the National Country Director for Miss Grand Cambodia, conducted a press conference at Sokha Hotel on October 9th, expressing her dismay over Cambodia’s diminished role in the event.
At the conference, she mentioned that the boat gala dinner on October 6 in Phnom Penh was a last-minute inclusion by Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of MGI, due to safety concerns linked to the rainy season in Cambodia.
Despite Cambodia’s preparations for a safer, more comfortable boat, Nawat opted for an older, less expensive wooden boat costing $500.
Sokunthea also noted that Nawat brought quail eggs and peanuts to the event, which led to some criticism and accusations of unprofessionalism against Cambodia.
On October 7, MGI announced on its official Facebook page that “Cambodia will no longer serve as our host country due to the host organization’s inability to fulfill the requirements.”
Nawat further criticized Cambodia’s professionalism on his Instagram account, stating, “As a co-host of MGI 2024, Cambodia is unprofessional. I have never met this kind of person, so we have to move to Thailand.”
Sokunthea voiced her frustration regarding the exclusion of Cambodia, questioning MGI’s claim of professionalism by not adhering to the agreed-upon agenda.
She highlighted that despite significant investments of time, effort, and funds by Cambodia to facilitate the event, Nawat independently made several decisions and attributed arising issues to Cambodia.
Miss Grand Cambodia subsequently released an official statement expressing disappointment over the termination of its license with Miss Grand International, pointing to a lack of respect and cooperation from the organization.
Pageant Withdrawals
Amidst the unfolding controversy, Sotheary Bee from Miss Grand Cambodia announced her decision to opt-out of traveling to Thailand with other contestants, effectively withdrawing from the pageant.
Macarena Chamberlain, representing Costa Rica in Miss Grand International, announced her withdrawal on October 8.
In a statement on social media, she expressed understanding and gratitude for MGI’s efforts to enhance the participants’ experience but noted that the abrupt changes were too overwhelming for her to manage, emphasizing that her personal well-being remains her top concern.
“My mental and physical health have been seriously affected in the last few hours due to the last-minute changes implemented by the organization,” Macarena said.