Thai political science student, 21, crowned Miss World 2025

A 21-year-old political science student from Thailand won the 72nd Miss World pageant organised in Hyderabad, India, on Saturday, May 31.

Miss World Thailand, Suchata "Opal" Chuangsri, emerged as Thailand's first Miss World in the competition's 72-year history.

She competed alongside 108 contestants.

She was officially crowned by 2024's winner, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic.

Phuket native

Standing at 180cm tall, the Phuket native speaks Chinese, English and Thai.

Chuangsri's family has a business in the old town area of the island.

She is studying international relations at Thammasat University.

Before Miss World 2025, Chuangsri represented Thailand in the Miss Universe 2024 and finished as third runner-up.

However, in April 2025, the Miss Universe Organization withdrew her title due to a breach of contract, as she joined the Miss World Thailand 2025 competition before the end of her 12-month reign.

Founder of initiative that supports women with breast cancer

At 16, Chuangsri was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery to remove tumours.

She is the founder of the "Opal for Her" initiative that supports women with breast cancer.

She has been promoting the project for over three years, which advocates for greater awareness and prioritisation of breast cancer and its victims.

She aims to expand its reach across the world using the Miss World platform.

"This moment is not just a personal victory; it is a shared dream of every young girl who wants to be seen, heard and to create change. I am honoured to represent this legacy and use my time as Miss World to make a real difference," Chuangsri said in her first speech.

How pageant was conducted

The pageant saw the contest gradually narrowing down the number of contestants.

The top 40 contestants were selected from 108 countries.

These finalists were divided into four continental groups: The Americas & Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia & Oceania.

Each group had 10 representatives.

Some of the contestants got to advance automatically to the top 40 via the fast-track events.

Chuangsri was one of them as she secured first place in the Asia & Oceania Multimedia Challenge.

The number of contestants was further narrowed down to 20 and then to eight.

The first runner-up was Hasset Dereje from Ethiopia.

Maja Klajda of Poland was the second runner-up, and Aurelie Joachim of Martinique was the third runner-up.

All photos via @suchaaata Instagram