Thailand will host the Miss Universe pageant for the third time in just over a quarter of a century on Dec 17 in Bangkok.
Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said yesterday the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) had named Thailand the host of the 67th pageant, which will take place at the Muang Thong Thani complex in Nonthaburi at 7am (local time).
MUO President Paula Shugart and Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters were present at the briefing in Bangkok yesterday.
Former Miss Universe 1965 Apasra Hongsakula and Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova also attended.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha welcomed the decision, saying the government would support the pageant.
"Other countries will know more about Thailand as contestants will join activities at various venues."
Thailand previously hosted the pageant in 2005 and 1992. Two Thais have been crowned Miss Universe to date: Ms Apasara in 1965 and Porntip Nakhirunkanok in 1988.
According to Thanawat Wansom, CEO of TW Investment Group which represents the MUO, the pageant will give Thailand a PR boost and stimulate tourism, a huge forex earner.
The event will also promote Thai culture and the arts, the company said.