Tharina Botes is the new Miss Universe Thailand


Tharina Botes, representing Bangkok, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 on Sunday, August 23 at MGI Hall in Bangkok.

The 29-year-old beauty beat over 70 other contestants to win the national title and she will now represent Thailand at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico this November.

Suttida Aiadpu of Phuket was named first runner-up while Helena Sarakan of Udon Thani, Sasiwararin Atsawahirankarn of Chiang Mai, and Manatsawee Nilbuala of Ubon Ratchathani were the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively.

Last year's winner who finished first runner-up at Miss Universe 2025, Praveenar Singh of Saraburi, relinquished her reign at the end of the event.

The new Miss Universe Thailand was born to a Thai mother and South African father. She was raised in Johannesburg and holds a degree in commerce and economics.

"Thank you to my amazing team, my fans, and everyone who believed in me. I could not have done this without all of you. We finally did it," she shared online after last night's competition.

Tharina is no stranger to pageantry. She has previously participated in Miss International 2016, Miss World 2023 and recently the first edition of MGI All Stars.

Road to the 75th Miss Universe:

Photos: Miss Universe Thailand / Instagram

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