Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has extended his congratulations to Anntonia Porsild, who represented Thailand in the Miss Universe 2023 beauty contest, for being named 1st runner-up, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said.
Miss Universe 2023, the 72nd Miss Universe pageant, was held at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador on Sunday morning (Thailand time).
Ms Anntonia was named first runner-up, the country's first highest placement since 1988, while the Miss Universe 2023 title went to Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua.
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said the prime minister congratulates Ms Anntonia for having done her best as Thailand's representative and clinching the 1st runner-up title.
"Ms Anntonia has shown to the world the Thai culture, a soft power, especially the Thai traditional dress inspired by the sculpture of the Earth Goddess (Phra Mae Thoranee) originating from the Ayutthaya Period during the 14th-18th century.
"Even though Ms Anntonia was not crowned Miss Universe, her 1st runner-up title has made Thailand famous in a world-level arena. We Thai people are very proud of her," the spokesman said.
Ms Anntonia, 27, was born to a Danish father and a Thai mother, whose family hometown is Nakhon Ratchasima. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in communication arts from Stamford International University in 2022.
Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios reacts after being crowned Miss Universe during the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in San Salvador, El Salvador on Saturday. (Reuters photo)
Ms Anntonia posted her feelings on Instagram after the contest.
"No words can describe the way I’m feeling right now,” she wrote. “I put my all on the stage tonight for Thailand, for everyone who believed in me and was a part of my journey.
"I’m sorry I couldn’t bring the crown home for us, and I am eternally grateful for all of the love and support I have received throughout this journey. Without your support, I wouldn’t be standing here today.
"As I was once told, it’s not the crown and sash that is most important - but it’s what you do with the platform you have that matters most. I will continue to work towards my dreams and hope you will all come along with me on whatever path we go from here. I hope I can continue to be a guiding light to anyone who has a dream, a dream that they feel is impossible. Dare to take that first step because you never know where that path will take you and who you will meet along the way. I love you all from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for everything.”