Tharina Botes Crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026
Tharina Botes, a Bangkok representative with over a decade of pageant experience, won Miss Universe Thailand 2026 and will compete at the international pageant in Puerto Rico later this year.
BANGKOK — Tharina Botes, representing Bangkok, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 after winning over both the judges and the public vote at the national pageant on Sunday. The victory at MGI Hall earned Botes the right to represent Thailand at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico later this year. Suthida Iadpu, Miss Universe Phuket, was named first runner-up, while Helena Sarakal, Miss Universe Udon Thani, finished as second runner-up. Botes' victory marks a major milestone in a pageant career spanning more than a decade. She entered beauty contests at the age of 13, with her mother supporting her throughout her early years. Botes built her pageant experience in South Africa before competing in Miss South Africa 2018, where she reached the Top 12. She later represented South Africa at Miss Model of the World 2018. She moved to Thailand in 2019 and won Miss Grand Phuket, earning a place in Miss Grand Thailand, where she reached the Top 10. Botes continued her pageant journey and finished as first runner-up at Miss Universe Thailand 2021. In 2023, she won Miss Thailand World and represented Thailand at Miss World 2023. She later competed at MGI All Stars, reaching the Top 10. After more than a decade of competition, Botes has now claimed the Miss Universe Thailand crown and will represent Thailand at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico.
