Hyderabad, India – On May 31, 2025, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, a 21-year-old from Phuket, Thailand, made history by becoming the first Thai woman to win the prestigious Miss World title at the 72nd edition of the pageant held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana. The grand finale, a dazzling celebration of beauty, grace, and purpose, saw Opal outshine 107 international delegates to claim the coveted crown, marking a monumental moment for Thai pageantry.
Opal, born on September 20, 2003, and raised in a family of hoteliers, is a student of Political Science and International Relations at Thammasat University in Bangkok. Fluent in Thai, English, and Chinese, she embodies the modern, global youth with her intelligence, poise, and dedication to social causes. Her journey to the Miss World crown began with her crowning as Miss World Thailand 2025 on April 22, just a week before she departed for Hyderabad. Opal’s prior pageantry experience includes a notable third runner-up finish at Miss Universe 2024 and a second runner-up position at Miss Universe Thailand 2022, showcasing her resilience and growing prominence in the global pageant arena.
The crowning moment, officiated by outgoing Miss World Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic, was met with thunderous applause as Opal donned a white gown adorned with opal-like florals, symbolizing healing and strength. Her victory was not just a personal triumph but a historic milestone for Thailand, which had waited over 72 years for its first Miss World crown. “My people in Thailand, we’ve been waiting for the first Miss World crown for more than 72 years, and I couldn’t believe that it would be my honor to bring back home our first crown,” Opal said in her emotional acceptance speech.
Opal’s win was propelled by her compelling advocacy through her “Beauty with a Purpose” project, “Opal For Her,” a campaign inspired by her personal experience of undergoing surgery for a benign breast lump at age 16. The initiative focuses on raising awareness about breast health and the importance of early detection, resonating deeply with the judges and audience. Her heartfelt response during the final question round, where she emphasized the importance of leading with both grace and action, further cemented her as a standout candidate. “Everyone here in the hall is being the person who all of the people in our lives look up to. The best way to lead people is to lead with your gracefulness and your actions,” she said, earning widespread admiration.
The 2025 Miss World pageant was a star-studded affair, with a prestigious judging panel that included actor Sonu Sood, honored with the Miss World Humanitarian Award, and Sudha Reddy, the 2025 Global Ambassador for Beauty With a Purpose. Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje was named first runner-up, Poland’s Maja Klajda secured second runner-up, and Martinique’s Aureli Joachim took third runner-up, with each also receiving continental queen titles. India’s representative, Nandini Gupta, made it to the top 20 but did not advance to the final eight.
Beyond her pageant victory, Opal expressed her admiration for Bollywood, citing Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, and Manushi Chhillar as inspirations. She even hinted at a potential Bollywood career, stating she would consider offers to act, adding a new dimension to her global appeal. Opal also shared her plans to visit India’s cultural landmarks, including the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, reflecting her appreciation for the host country’s heritage.
Social media erupted with praise for Opal’s win, with fans lauding her journey and authenticity. One X user commented, “Her journey and dedication are remarkable,” while another wrote, “Congrats, Miss Thailand.” Opal herself took to X to express gratitude, stating, “Every message, every word of support, has meant the world to me. I promise to use this opportunity to create meaningful change, contribute to society, and represent Thailand with all my heart on the global stage.”
Opal’s crowning as Miss World 2025 is more than a victory; it’s a testament to her grit, determination, and commitment to empowering women. With her “Opal For Her” campaign, she aims to continue advocating for women’s health and equality, using her platform to inspire millions. As she embarks on her reign, Opal Suchata Chuangsri is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world, proving that beauty, when paired with purpose, can genuinely change lives.
