National —
Miss Grand Myanmar rejected her 2nd runner-up title at Miss Grand International 2024, which recently concluded in Thailand, leading to the termination of Myanmar’s current national franchise contract by the pageant’s president.
On October 26th, the Miss Grand International 2024 (MGI 2024) pageant concluded successfully at the MGI Hall in Bangkok. The winner of Miss Grand International 2024 was Rachel Gupta from India, with the 1st runner-up being Miss Grand Philippines, 2nd runner-up Miss Grand Myanmar, 3rd runner-up Miss Grand France, and 4th runner-up Miss Grand Brazil.
However, the pageant took a dramatic turn when Myanmar’s National Director (ND) Htoo Ant Lwin removed the crown and sash from Miss Grand Myanmar, 18-year-old Thae Su Nyein, who was in tears and shaking, after she was awarded the 2nd runner-up position. The ND was dissatisfied with the result, stating that it was “unfair between what he did and what he received in return.” He then immediately escorted Thae Su Nyein off the stage, who appeared dizzy and unsteady on her feet.
Following this incident, MGI President Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil held a press conference to announce that the MGI organization has officially accepted Miss Grand Myanmar’s decision to reject the 2nd runner-up title, which severed ties with both the contestant and the Myanmar national franchise. The MGI also terminated their contract with Htoo Ant Lwin and permanently banned him from the competition due to a “lack of sportsmanship and business credibility.”
Interestingly, however, MGI said they had revoked the title, inferring they made the decision and not Miss Grand Myanmar.
In a Facebook livestream, Thae Su Nyein announced her decision to reject the 2nd runner-up position, stating, “I don’t want the second runner-up position… I came to win first place and believe I deserved a higher position.” She also expressed frustration over not winning other awards, such as Best National Costume, Popular Vote, and Country of the Year.
In response, Mr. Nawat stated that receiving the 2nd runner-up title is already a great achievement for Miss Grand Myanmar, and even his Myanmar household staff supported the judges’ decision. However, he remarked, “Sometimes she (Thae Su Nyein) becomes too stressed, and her maturity level isn’t quite there yet.”
He also confirmed that MGI’s business operations have not been affected by the incident. The organization is currently reviewing new partnership opportunities in both Myanmar for a new franchise and director and Cambodia, which was initially set to host the competition but was later changed to Thailand due to the latter’s alleged unreadiness.
As of press time, it is unclear whether Miss Grand Myanmar’s 2nd runner-up position will be replaced or left vacant.
Reaction to Miss Grand Myanmar’s actions were mixed online, with some supporting her and giving her encouragement for the future but many others saying her actions seemed selfish and unprofessional.
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This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.