Anntonia Porsild secures highest Miss Universe placement for Thailand since 1988

Anntonia Porsild, the 27 year old representative of Thailand in the Miss Universe 2023 beauty contest, garnered the first runner-up position, earning the nation’s highest placement since 1988. This achievement was announced at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant, which took place at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke revealed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s congratulations to Anntonia for her commendable performance. He affirmed that Anntonia had brilliantly showcased Thai culture to the world, particularly through her traditional dress. The dress, inspired by the Earth Goddess sculpture from the Ayutthaya Period (14th-18th century), beautifully represented Thailand’s soft power, reported Bangkok Post.

“Anntonia’s first runner-up title, although not the crown, has projected Thailand’s fame on a global platform. We, as Thai people, take great pride in her achievement,” stated the government spokesman.

Anntonia, who is of Danish and Thai descent, was born and raised in Nakhon Ratchasima. In 2022, she graduated from Stamford International University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts.

The Miss Universe 2023 title was claimed by Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua. The joyous moment of her crowning was captured on November 18, during the pageant held in El Salvador.

In June, several Miss Universe Thailand beauty pageant contestants visited a number of sacred sites in Udon Thani where they were warmly received by locals. The group took part in several traditional rituals as a gesture of respect and homage.

The beauty pageant contestants participating in Miss Universe Thailand 2023 yesterday morning visited Wat Si Dara in Na Chum Saeng, Thung Fon, and Udon Thani. The visit aimed to promote cultural tourism and contribute to the province’s creative economy. The warm welcome extended by the villagers included traditional dances to mark the occasion.

The Miss Universe Thailand contestants later paid respects to a 131 metres long serpent sculpture at the temple, followed by a Bai Si ritual, a northeastern Thai ceremony asking for blessings and good fortune. Their tour then continued to Om Rudee Park, Ban Dung district, Udon Thani, where they paid their respects to the Chaopu-Hor Kam statue on the island of Kam Chanot. Read more about the story HERE.