Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended their congratulations to Anntonia Porsild on Sunday for securing the first runner-up position in the Miss Universe 2023 beauty pageant held in El Salvador.
Anntonia Porsild, a Thai-Danish beauty queen, achieved the distinction of being the first Thai contestant to reach the final rounds of the pageant since Porntip “Pui” Nakhirunkanok’s victory in 1988.
Chai Wacharonke, the government spokesperson, relayed that Prime Minister Srettha was delighted with Anntonia’s achievement as the first runner-up, and expressed gratitude for her exemplary representation of Thailand.
“The prime minister congratulated and thanked Khun Anntonia for doing her best to represent Thailand until she won the first runner-up title,” the spokesman stated.
Srettha Thavisin lauded Anntonia’s portrayal of Thai culture, especially her representation in the Ayutthaya period’s national costume, as a significant display of Thailand’s soft power.
The prime minister acknowledged that while Anntonia did not win the title, her participation significantly elevated Thailand’s reputation on the global stage.
The spokesperson quoted the prime minister saying that Anntonia’s performance had won the admiration of all Thais and made the nation proud.
Prime Minister Srettha also shared congratulatory messages on his social media platform, X (Twitter).
“I would like to congratulate, admire and thank Khun Anntonia Porsild for representing Thailand very well until she won the title of first runner-up of Miss Universe 2023,” Srettha posted.
“The national costume of the goddess of Ayutthaya was very beautiful and spectacular. It was flawless and boasted Thainess. Congratulations indeed!”
Paetongtarn Shinawatra shared her excitement about the contest and applauded Anntonia’s impressive performance.
She expressed admiration for Anntonia’s thoughtful responses, highlighting the Thai contestant’s positive attitude.
“The answers were great. I really admire her. This shows that women can do anything,” Paetongtarn said.
