Bangkok: Nawat Itsarakraisil, the license holder of Miss Universe Thailand, found himself in tears after being demoted by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) as the host of the 74th Miss Universe 2025 pageant, which is being hosted in Thailand. The emotional fallout came after a series of disputes between Mexican businessman Raul Rocha Cantu, a co-owner of MUO, and Itsarakraisil over pageant activities, stirring significant attention among beauty pageant enthusiasts. Itsarakraisil expressed that he was deeply hurt and discouraged by the incident, emphasizing his humanity in the face of adversity, and urged JKN’s creditors to refrain from mentioning his name due to safety concerns.
According to Thai News Agency, the tension began when Raul Rocha Cantu directed Itsarakraisil to limit his role in the pageant, a decision that shocked many beauty pageant fans. The situation unfolded further during the official welcoming ceremony for the MU2025 contestants, where Itsarakraisil addressed the media, sharing his emotional turmoil and commitment to doing his best despite the setbacks. He reassured that the drama would not impact Veena Pawina, Thailand’s representative in the pageant.
Itsarakraisil elaborated on the logistical challenges faced in organizing the pageant, mentioning that while 123 countries were notified, only around 119 had arrived due to visa delays. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his duties as the host, although he chose to oversee rehearsals remotely to avoid additional pressure. He expressed hope that the production would proceed smoothly, despite the delicate situation and his own feelings of dejection.
The controversy also involved marketing rights and financial investments. Itsarakraisil detailed a series of misunderstandings and disagreements regarding marketing activities and investments, including a significant financial commitment of $2 million in cash and an additional 100 million baht. He highlighted incidents where his stock price was negatively impacted and discussed legal challenges surrounding alleged online casino promotions, which were removed after being identified as illegal in Thailand.
Itsarakraisil’s emotional account included episodes of being misled into apologizing, dealing with slanderous accusations, and facing pressure from various stakeholders. He expressed frustration over the portrayal of his actions and the unfair treatment he received. Despite the turmoil, Itsarakraisil maintained his focus on ensuring the pageant’s success and safeguarding the interests of the contestants and sponsors.
In a plea for his safety, Itsarakraisil requested JKN’s creditors to cease mentioning his name, emphasizing the sensitivity of the situation and the potential risks involved. He reiterated his commitment to the Miss Universe brand and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges he faces in managing the pageant and protecting his reputation.