Just hours after Nawat Itsaragrisil became an executive of the Miss Universe Organization, his company clinched the rights to hold the Miss Universe Thailand pageant for an additional 20 years, extending their total involvement to 25 years.
As CEO of Miss Grand International Public Company Limited, Nawat notified the Stock Exchange of Thailand about the extension of the Miss Universe Thailand license for another 20 years, building on the initial five-year agreement.
A statement from the company read: “The company will be allotted 100,000,000 newly issued ordinary shares of JKN Global Group Public Company Limited with a par value of 0.50 baht per share at a subscription price of 0.50 baht, representing a total value of 50,000,000 baht.”
Previously, JKN, established by Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip and co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, extended invitations to notable and experienced individuals to solidify the partnership between JKN and MUO.
On April 22, Nawat, renowned for his extensive background in the pageant sector, was formally designated as the Executive Director of MUO.
This appointment followed the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand’s initiation of civil proceedings against JKN and Jakapong for allegedly disseminating misleading financial information.
The sanctions imposed included a fine of 4,124,078 baht and a temporary prohibition against serving as a director or officer.
JKN and Jakapong acknowledged the SEC’s ruling but contested its accuracy, vowing to prove their innocence through legal avenues.
In response to the controversy, JKN has bolstered its leadership by hiring key personnel to ensure the stability of both JKN and MUO:
– Songpol Chanmatkit, a seasoned businessman, has joined the board.
– Nawat Itsaragrisil, noted for his experience in organizing beauty pageants, has taken on the role of Executive Director at MUO.
– Indra Suharjono, an expert in international business, has been named Executive Advisor for MUO.
The Miss Universe Thailand 2025 event kicks off on July 5 with an orientation, followed by various activities for the contestants on August 3.
The top 10 finalists will then head to South Korea for a welcoming ceremony. The events will continue in Bangkok from August 6-8 and in Phuket from August 9-16.
The national costume competition is set for August 18, with the preliminary round on August 20 and the finals on August 23.
The current Miss Universe Thailand 2024, Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri, will not be crowning her successor after being stripped of her 3rd runner-up title at Miss Universe Thailand following her unauthorized appearance at the Miss World Thailand pageant, where she was named Thailand’s delegate to the forthcoming Miss World in India on May 31.
