Miss Grand International imposes lifetime ban on Myanmar’s national director

The Miss Grand International pageant has imposed a lifetime ban on Myanmar’s national director Htoo Ant Lwin, citing his “lack of sportsmanship and business credibility.”

Miss Grand Myanmar 2024 Thae Su Nyein. Photo from Thae's Instagram

According to The Straits Times, the decision followed the coronation night in Bangkok on Saturday, where Htoo was seen removing the tiara from the 17-year-old Thae Su Nyein, Miss Grand Myanmar 2024 and the country's representative at this year’s Miss Grand International pageant. He also took away her second runner-up sash on stage after she publicly rejected the placement.

In addition, Htoo had previously accused the pageant’s president Nawat Itsaragrisil of offering the crown for a sum of US$25,000 and of accepting money from Indonesian pageant officials. Itsaragrisil dismissed these claims as "ridiculous," strongly denying the allegations.

The tension between Myanmar and Miss Grand International heightened after Thae announced on Instagram live on Sunday that she was returning her crown, explaining that she felt robbed after not winning two special awards—Best in National Costume and Country’s Power of the Year, according to ABS-CBN News.

The National Costume awards were given to Brazil, Ecuador, and Honduras, while Thailand won the Country’s Power of the Year title.

Despite the controversy, Thae clarified that she bore no ill will towards this year’s Miss Grand International winner, India’s Rachel Gupta, who secured her country’s first "golden crown," or towards the first runner-up, the Philippines’ Christine Juliane Opiaza. Thae explained that her tears were for her countrymen, who had hoped she would win the national costume award and secure Myanmar the Country Power of the Year distinction.

The dispute quickly spread online, with Myanmar’s pageant fans amplifying Htoo’s accusations and denouncing the pageant as a "cooking show." In response, Itsaragrisil addressed the media at a press conference held at Movenpick Sukhumvit 23 in Bangkok. He questioned Thae’s actions, asking, "What makes [Thae] so delusional?"

"If she wants first place and must have it, I suggest she create her own pageant so she can win every title," he added. "Someone like you shouldn’t participate in anything competitive or challenging others. You should stay in your own imaginary, fantasy, virtual world."

The Miss Grand International pageant also announced on its Facebook page on Monday that it had revoked the second runner-up title from Thae, citing her "inappropriate behavior."

The 2024 event marked the 12th edition of the Bangkok-based Miss Grand International competition.