Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri was on May 31, 2025 crowned as the Miss World 2025 during a beauty contest held in Hyderabad, India.
The 21-year-old Opal is the first beauty pageant from Thailand to win the Miss World title in the pageant’s history.
The 72nd Miss World pageant had 108 participants from different countries all trying to win the adorned title. The event was hosted by the former Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle and popular Indian presenter Sachin Kumbhar.
The theme for this year, “Empowering Change,” highlighted the significance of using beauty for meaningful purposes. Every contestant displayed not just their grace and charm but also their dedication to social issues.
The judging panel comprised of actor Sonu Sood, recipient of the Miss World Humanitarian Award, along with Sudha Reddy, Global Ambassador for Beauty with a Purpose for 2025; Dr. Caryna Turrell, Miss England 2014; and Krystyna Pyszkova, Miss World 2024. The panel was coordinated by the Chairwoman of Miss World, Julia Morley CBE.
Phuket-born Opal, a student of Political Science with a specialization in International Relations at Thammasat University, speaks fluently in Thai, English, and Chinese.
Her life story that melted the judges is that she defied a breast tumor when she was only 16, which subsequently inspired her to establish the social initiative ‘OpalForHer’ in bringing awareness about breast cancer.
Opal captivated the audience in a white dress that had flowers resembling opals, representing recovery and power.
The previous Miss World 2024, Krystyna Pyszková from Czech Republic, placed the winning crown on her head. Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje emerged first runner-up, Maja Klajda from Poland won the second runner-up title and Martinique’s Aurlie Joachim was the third runner-up.
Her winning answer came during the final question and answer segment where judge Sonu Sood asked, “How has this journey taught you about truth and personal responsibility in shaping the stories that are told?”
She graciously replied, “I always believe that no matter who you are and no matter how old you are, no matter what title you hold in your life, there is always a person next to you, whether it’s a child, whether it’s an adult, it could even be your own parents, that look up to you in a way. And the best way to lead people is to lead with their gracefulness in your actions. That is the best thing we can do to the people around us and in our world.”
Opal’s victory not only makes Thailand proud but also showcases her commitment to important issues and her ability to inspire others.
