Laos' Payengxa Lor returns home after historic Miss Universe placement


Miss Universe Laos 2022 Payengxa Lor returned home following her historic achievement during the recently held 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

The business management student received a warm welcome from her supporters and members of the press when she arrived back in her country on January 19. Her Top 16 placement marked the first time ever Laos entered the semifinals at the Miss Universe competition.

Payengxa won the 5th edition of the Miss Universe Laos pageant at the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel in Vientiane last October 8 and earned her the opportunity to represent her country at Miss Universe 2022.

The 21-year-old was the first Hmong to win the national title and also the first one to achieve Laos' highest placement at Miss Universe since its debut in 2017.

Surprisingly, Laos was also the only Southeast Asian country to place in the Top 16 while heavy favorites from the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam missed out on the semifinal cut.

Photos: Miss Universe Laos, Payengxa Lor / Instagram

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