Police Detain Miss Universe Team Members Over Illegal Online Casino Promotion in Thailand

Brickinfo News Agency – Thai police have detained members of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) team after it was discovered that they allegedly directed contestants to film promotional content for an online casino within the premises of their accommodation. The promotion of online gambling is a serious violation of Thai law. Following the incident, Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Grand International Public Company Limited (MGI) and President of the Host Committee for the 74th Miss Universe Pageant in Thailand, was summoned by police to give a statement, with MGI subsequently releasing a letter officially denying any involvement in the illegal activity.

The incident came to light after a concerned individual informed the host committee. Security personnel swiftly notified law enforcement, leading to a police investigation and intervention. The promotion involved contestants of the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, and the filming took place at the hotel where they were staying. Mr. Raúl, a Mexican businessman and co-owner of MUO, is among the organization’s principals. The host committee noted that the alleged actions severely damaged Thailand’s reputation as the host country for the prestigious global event.

Mr. Nawat Itsaragrisil traveled to Wat Phraya Krai Police Station on Charoen Krung Road to provide his testimony and formally register a statement confirming that his company, MGI, had no connection to the illegal promotion. Police reportedly questioned him and recorded his statement, in which he denied all accusations of involvement.

In response to the controversy, Miss Grand International Public Company Limited issued a formal statement. The company clarified its position regarding the sponsor associated with online casinos, stating:

“Miss Grand International Public Company Limited would like to inform the public that, following the recent incident during the 74th Miss Universe Thailand event, it has come to our attention that the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has promoted one of its sponsors associated with online casinos — an activity that is strictly illegal under Thai law.”

The statement continued, asserting the host’s complete lack of responsibility for the activity:

“As the official host of the 74th Miss Universe Thailand, Miss Grand International Public Company Limited hereby clarifies that the Company has no involvement whatsoever with such activities or any form of publicity related to online casinos. The said promotion was carried out solely by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).”

Despite the major controversy, the 74th Miss Universe Pageant in Thailand is still slated to proceed as scheduled, remaining under the care and management of the host organizer, MGI. Further updates on the situation are expected to be reported by the pageant organizers.