A fresh controversy is rocking the Miss Universe 2025 pageant after Thai police opened an investigation into claims that contestants were told to promote an online casino, a clear breach of Thailand’s strict gambling laws.
The issue now drags Miss Philippines into the spotlight and could cast a shadow over the event set to unfold in Bangkok this month.
The complaint was filed by Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Grand International (MGI) and head of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee, accusing the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) of directing contestants to film casino-linked content inside their Bangkok hotel.
According to Nawat, this was done without approval from local hosts and in direct violation of Thai law.
On November 3, Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom ordered an immediate investigation. Officers at Wat Phraya Krai Police Station have summoned all relevant parties for questioning.
Investigators are examining a photo showing Miss Philippines holding a pillow branded with a sponsor’s logo allegedly tied to a gambling site based in the Philippines. The Thai host committee claims this sponsor was never part of any official licensing deal.
Police said an initial report has been filed, but further checks are needed to confirm whether the website truly operates as an illegal online casino before criminal charges can proceed.
In a statement, MGI denied any connection to the promotion and placed responsibility squarely on MUO. “As the official host, MGI has no involvement whatsoever,” it said, stressing that the campaign “was carried out solely by the Miss Universe Organization.”
Nawat himself appeared before police to give testimony, insisting his company played no role in the incident.
The Miss Universe Organization, founded in 1952, has changed hands several times and is now owned through JKN Legacy Inc., a joint venture between Thailand’s JKN Global Group and Legacy Holding Group USA Inc.
Current executives include Raúl Rocha Cantú as president and Mario Búcaro as CEO, both appointed late last year.
Adding a twist, Nawat was appointed Executive Director of the Miss Universe Organization in early 2025 while also running MGI and leading the Host Committee.
His multiple roles have sparked questions over potential conflicts of interest as he files a complaint against the very group he helps oversee.
Despite the ongoing investigation, organizers say the Miss Universe 2025 competition, running from November 2 to 21 in Bangkok, will go ahead as planned. The host committee has pledged to cooperate fully with authorities and provide updates as the inquiry develops.
