Miss Universe team caught in Thai police raid after contestant allegedly told to promote illegal online casino

Thai authorities have launched an investigation into the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) after a contestant was allegedly seen illegally promoting an online casino.

The contestant, Miss Philippines, was seen holding a cat-shaped pillow with a sponsor’s logo in a promotional video.

But the logo was allegedly linked to a Philippine-based gambling website, a violation of Thailand’s strict gambling laws, reported The Thaiger.

In response, the police raided the hotel lodgings of the 74th Miss Universe competition.

It is scheduled to take place later this month in Bangkok.

Police action and seizure of evidence

Police officers arrived at the Bangkok hotel on Nov. 3 and seized promotional items, including the branded pillow and some filming equipment.

The individuals involved were also called in for questioning.

Nawat Itsaragrisil, chair of the Miss Universe Thailand host committee, claimed that he had not known about the promotion until his team members and audience spotted a banner for an online casino in a promotional video and grew suspicious.

He also alleged that the contestants had been instructed to to film the illegal content by MUO, while local organisers had "no involvement whatsoever".

He further denied claims by MUO that he had approved the campaign.

"The promotion was carried out solely by the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO)," he said in a statement, reported The Nation Thailand.

MUO is the pageant's parent organisation, while Nawat's host committee is in charge of organising the Thailand edition this year.

Conflict between mother organisation and host

Nawat, who had appeared at the police station to give testimony, confirmed that he had personally alerted the authorities after being informed about the suspicious video, according to The Thaiger.

He further criticised MUO for mishandling operations and disregarding local laws.

But Nawat's involvement in the affair has raised questions.

Originally the chief executive officer of another pageant, Miss Grand International (MGI), he was appointed executive director of the Miss Universe pageant early this year.

His MGI group then acquired the licence for Miss Universe Thailand, and as such is hosting the 74th edition of the global pageant, according to Inquirer.

Tensions between MUO and the Miss Universe host further escalated when a video of Nawat criticising the former started circulating online.

“They (MUO) don’t know how to run a pageant,” Nawat had commented.

“They are not active at all. But we won’t follow up with them anymore. We’re done giving advice. Now we’ll take the lead.”

Raul Rocha, the MUO president, shot back by posting an image of the significant stock market price drop of Miss Grand International Public Co. Ltd.

Miss Universe 2025 pageant to proceed as normal

The police has ordered an immediate probe into whether the online platform linked in the pillow indeed operates as an illegal casino, according to Khaosod English.

A preliminary report has also been filed, although additional verification is required before criminal charges can be considered.

That said, the Miss Universe 2025 competition is expected to proceed as planned in Bangkok from Nov. 2 to 21.

Top images via XBomberThailand/X, pageanthology101/Facebook