Miss Grand International Myanmar contestant cries after getting 2nd runner-up, director says 'results unfair'

UPDATE on Oct. 28 at 7:46pm: The article has been updated to reflect the correct translation on Htoo Ant Lwin's Facebook post.

Myanmar's Miss Grand International (MGI) 2024 contestant Thae Su Nyein has returned her second runner-up crown on Oct. 25 following her pageant director's claim that Myanmar was "treated unfairly".

According to the Philippines news and entertainment network GMA Network, Thae started crying minutes after she was crowned at the pageant held in Thailand.

Her pageant director, Htoo Ant Lwin, removed the crown and sash off her as she went down the stage.

Crown and sash ripped off, carried away after coronation

Thae, who came in as second runner-up, reportedly left the event shortly after her coronation.

As her team assisted her off the stage, Htoo abruptly removed her crown and sash.

The incident, caught on camera, quickly spread across social media and garnered mixed reactions.

@theoneanonlymgi @Miss Grand International #บอส ค่ะ นางพม่า มันร้ายค่ะ มันถอด สายสพาย เเละมงออกเลยค่ะ#missgrandinternational #2024 #missgrand #mgi ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ - สาปนางงาม

She was immediately carried away from the stage by members of her team as she continued crying.

@beautyqueenvietnam Miss Grand Myanmar khóc nức nở và được bế về sau khi đạt Á Hậu 2 Miss Grand International 2024 #beautyqueenvietnam #thanhxuanlily #bonghau_team #tiktokgiaitri #missgrandinternational2024 #missgrandmyanmar2024 ♬ Ừ Thì Chia Tay (feat. RHYDER) - Captain

On Oct. 27, MGI shared pictures and a congratulatory message to its 2024 winners on Facebook, but excluded Thae from the post.

"Pageant results unfair": Myanmar pageant director

Htoo had gone on "live" on his Facebook page on Oct. 26 to talk about the incident, reported GMA Network.

He said that the pageant results were reportedly "unfair" toward Thae.

He added that Myanmar will no longer participate in future MGI contests.

However, in a later Facebook post after the livestream, Htoo seemingly referred to MGI president Nawat Itsaragrisil and said: "They asked if I could calm down and sign a new contract."

MGI President responds

According to a post on X by Khaosod English on Oct. 27, Nawat held a conference to address the incident.

He said that the organisation has "cut ties" with Htoo as he "lacks sportsmanship and credibility".

However, Nawat said that he is giving Thae a chance to discuss whether she wants to resume her responsibilities as second runner-up.

If the parties reach an agreement, Thae's first duty will involve her going on a trip to Phuket.

(2/3) Nawat stated that MGI has also cut ties with Htoo Ant Lwin, Miss Grand #Myanmar's ND as he lacks sportsmanship & credibility. However, he is giving Thae Su Nyein an opportunity to discuss whether she wants to continue her duties as second runner-up. #MGI202 #thailand pic.twitter.com/mP8xfe3zVY

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) October 27, 2024

Top photos via Thae Su Nyein/Facebook, @theoneanonlymgi & @beautyqueenvietnam/TikTok