Miss Universe co-owners Raul Rocha (left) and Anne Jakrajutatip (right) with reigning queen Victoria Kjær Theilvig in Bangkok. Image: Facebook/THE 74TH MISS UNIVERSE – THAILAND
For 74 years, the Miss Universe pageant has changed the lives of the women who stepped on stage, and touched billions of people who followed their journeys. The contest’s current owners vow to take the organization to another level.
Speaking at the press conference for Thailand’s hosting of the 74th edition of the pageant held in Bangkok on Thursday, March 13, Miss Universe Organization (MUO) co-owners Raul Rocha and Anne Jakrajutatip revealed their vision for this year’s competition and beyond.
“Our goal is to elevate our brand by inviting around 120 delegates from their countries to this competition, helping them prepare to compete for the Miss Universe title,” said Rocha, the organization’s president.
“I’m grateful to work with people who share my passion for elevating this organization. And of course, thank you to all of our amazing fans and supporters in Thailand and everyone around the world. Your love and devotion keep us going, and you’re all always part of our Miss Universe family,” the Mexican magnate continued.
Rocha got on board the organization after acquiring half ownership of MUO through his Legacy Holdings Group last year under an agreement with Jakrajutatip’s JKN Global Group in Thailand. The Thai media mogul bought MUO from IMG in 2022.
Last year’s competition held in Mexico was the first collaborative edition between the two entities. Miss Universe fans and viewers panned the 2024 contest’s staging, from activities down to the production, which they said was lackluster.
Jakrajutatip, MUO CEO, said she talked to the ladies since she took ownership of the organization. “We feel so honored that, you know, we can elevate the lives of so many young women to become the best version of themselves,” she said.
She also declared Thailand as the “world’s capital of beauty pageant industry” in her address. Aside from her co-owned pageant, several other big international contests for ladies and gentlemen are based in the country, including Miss Grand International, whose owner Nawat Itsaragrisil is now tasked to organize the 74th Miss Universe pageant.
Before, Itsaragrisil sought to rival Miss Universe and challenged its position as a leading international pageant. But to the shock of many, he acquired the global tilt’s local franchise for Thailand last month.
He and his Miss Grand International Public Co. Ltd. has acquired the license to select Thailand’s Miss Universe delegate for five years, starting in 2025. And as the Thai national entity, they have also been tasked to mount the 74th Miss Universe pageant in the country.
Jakrajutatip said she spoke with a Thai minister to discuss the country’s promotion through the Miss Universe platform, and came up with five “Fs” which are food, fighting (Muay Thai), fashion, film, and female empowerment.
Itsaragrisil said he is investing 300 million (currency not declared) for production and for activities that will run for 20 days. The ladies are expected to be in Bangkok on Nov. 4, then later travel to Phuket and Pattaya.
They will return to Bangkok for the National Costume Competition and the swimsuit and evening gown presentations on Nov. 19, and the final competition show on Nov. 21 at the Impact Arena.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig, Denmark’s first Miss Universe winner, will relinquish her title to her successor at the end of the competition. The Philippines’ representative to this year’s contest will be crowned on May 2.