Anne Jakrajutatip, Nawat Itsaragrisil share same stage in Bangkok
Anne Jakrajutatip and Nawat Itsaragrisil | Image: Miss Universe Thailand
Thai pageant powerhouses Anne Jakrajutatip, part-owner of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), and Nawat Itsaragrisil, president and owner of the Miss Grand International (MGI), shared the stage on Tuesday, Feb 18, following the latter’s acquisition of the local franchise of Miss Universe.
The historic event happened at the press conference for the search for the new Miss Universe Thailand under Itsaragrisil’s stewardship, held at the MGI Hall at Bravo BKK in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 18.
Itsaragrisil even grasped Jakrajutatip in a tight embrace, and offered her a bouquet of flowers after she addressed the people inside the venue and those watching online. Jakrajutatip, in turn, raised Itsaragrisil’s hand in jubilation.
Seeing the two Thai pageant owners sharing a warm and tender moment on the same stage was something many pageant fans never thought would be possible, coming from two competing pageant organizations.
Itsaragrisil has always been vocal about dislodging the 73-year-old Miss Universe pageant at its global positioning to push MGI to the forefront.
But on Monday, Feb. 17, it has been reported that MGI has acquired the Miss Universe franchise for five years starting in 2025, for THB180 million (P309.6 million).
In a pre-taped message, Jakrajutatip welcomed “MGI PCL” as the new Miss Universe Thailand franchise holder, and said Itsaragrisil is “respected, trusted, and has demonstrated outstanding success at the level of a publicly listed company.”
She added: “I firmly believe that MUO and MGI will work hand in hand with strong commitment to create and empower women, as well as inspire people around the world.”
Jakrajutatip, who celebrated her birthday on Feb. 17, said that their partnership “is founded on trust, confidence, and a long-term vision. We are certain that together, we can strengthen and advance female empowerment to be even stronger and more successful.”
She also hinted of new “partnerships and projects” from the MUO-MGI collaboration, “Thank you to all MU and MGI fans for your continuous support. Hello Universe, Hello MGI!” Jakrajutatip said.
Before MGI PCL, TPN held the Miss Universe Thailand franchise since 2019, and has produced Miss Universe finalist Paweensuda Drouin, third runner-up Opal Suchata, and first runner-up Anntonia Porsild.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant will be held in Thailand in November, but it was not yet discussed what Itsaragrisil’s and MGI PCL’s involvement will be in organizing the global event.
