nawat Itsaragrisil, director of Miss Universe Thailand, is facing widespread criticism following allegations of bullying and creating a toxic habitat within the association, culminating in the recent renunciation of Miss grand International 2024, Rachel Gupta. The controversy underscores growing concerns about the pressures and alleged mistreatment of contestants in the highly competitive world of international beauty pageants.
Itsaragrisil, a Thai businessman and model, has been a prominent figure in the Miss Universe Thailand franchise for years. He is known for his direct and frequently enough controversial feedback too contestants, repeatedly emphasizing the need for continuous betterment.According to past statements, Itsaragrisil consistently advised participants that “everyone should show their improvement” and offered the same advice – focused on self-betterment – to all who sought guidance on how to succeed. However, this approach has drawn scrutiny, with critics alleging it veers into public shaming and unrealistic expectations.
The current wave of criticism intensified after itsaragrisil publicly commented on the physique of a Miss Vietnam contestant during the 2022 Miss Grand International competition, stating she had “too long a torso and too short legs” as justification for her early elimination. More recently, in May 2024, he posted an image of Rachel Gupta, shortly before she announced her decision to relinquish her Miss Grand International title, suggesting she had undergone plastic surgery.
Gupta’s subsequent denouncement of a “toxic environment” within the organization, led by Itsaragrisil, has ignited a broader conversation about the well-being of pageant contestants and the ethical responsibilities of pageant directors. The allegations are prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability within the Miss Universe and Miss Grand International systems, and raising questions about the future of Itsaragrisil’s role in the industry.
