Miss Earth Thailand Names Alternate After Age Rule Disqualifies Winner
Miss Earth Thailand has replaced its Miss Earth 2026 delegate after discovering that the original winner, Jennifer Malits, exceeds the international age limit. The pageant appointed first runner‑up Alicia‑Alicia Elizabeth Buklin to represent Thailand at the Miss Earth 2026 contest in the Philippines, with both titleholders speaking emotionally about the change. The organization apologized for the oversight and said Jennifer will keep her national title and continue her environmental advocacy.
The pageant chairperson, Dr. Sirikan Ongsorngran, said the error was theirs for not checking thoroughly, apologized on behalf of the organization, and pledged to revise future selection procedures to protect Thailand’s title. She explained that Jennifer Malits’ age exceeded the international limit when calculated for the December competition, necessitating the substitution of the first runner‑up, Alicia‑Alicia Elizabeth Buklin, who has high potential, to preserve Thailand’s quota at Miss Earth 2026. Jennifer Malits, fighting back tears, said she had pursued the crown for ten years, cried daily not wanting to disappoint anyone, and vowed to return if the global pageant revises its age rule, while urging Thais to support Alicia‑Alicia Elizabeth Buklin as the new representative. Alicia‑Alicia Elizabeth Buklin expressed that her first thought was for Jennifer’s feelings, acknowledging the latter’s long‑held dream, and said she would focus on doing her best not to let Jennifer or the Thai people down. The organization confirmed that Jennifer Malits will retain her Miss Earth Thailand 2026 title, continue her environmental work in Thailand, and receive full mental‑health support and encouragement for future opportunities.
