Behind The Crown Controversy: Miss Grand 2024 Leaves Cambodia For Thailand

BANGKOK — The tumultuous dispute in the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant between the Thai organizing team and the Cambodian organizing team may cause some debate among netizens of the two countries. However, this dispute has not escalated widely because it’s understandable that this is merely a business conflict.

Miss Grand International 2024 cancelled Cambodia as its host country on October 7, saying that was due to the inability to fulfill requirements stipulated in the hosting agreement contract. Miss Grand Cambodia later issued a counter-statement saying it would no longer work with Miss Grand International.

This dramatic move resulted in 74 contestants from various nations being recalled to Thailand to restart the competition on October 8, but Sotheary Bee, Miss Grand Cambodia 2024 withdrew, due to the business conflict between both sides.

The Thai organizers and the Cambodian organizers each held press conferences to explain their own reasons and to criticize the other side.  

On Tuesday, Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Grand International and Miss Grand Thailand, expressed his profound disappointment and frustration with the Cambodian organizing team.

He admitted to a lack of due diligence in vetting the organizers, having assumed their financial stability and capability based on outward appearances. This assumption proved to be a critical misstep, as the reality of the situation fell far short of expectations.

The issues plaguing the event were numerous and varied. From the moment the contestants arrived at the airport, it became apparent that the promised preparations were inadequate. Basic elements such as backdrops, vinyl banners, and even proper security measures were conspicuously absent.

The problems extended beyond mere aesthetics. Promised attendance by high-profile individuals, including the Cambodian Minister of Tourism, failed to materialize. The expected crowd of 400 guests dwindled to a mere 20, and the promised media coverage from across Cambodia was non-existent. 

These failures not only damaged the prestige of the event but also raised serious questions about the organizers’ credibility and connections.

Nawat described the boat trip as unbearable. He found the location was much farther than claimed. Despite the Cambodian team’s suggestion to cancel due to rain, MGI insisted on proceeding. When asked to see the boat, they were told it was already in the water, and then lost phone signal.

“Our team couldn’t find the boat, causing embarrassment. We frantically sought alternatives from locals. After solving the issue, I met them at the hotel. They berated my assistant, emotions escalated, and we felt unsafe. We immediately ended the discussion.”. 

Nawat Itsaragrisil, the director of Miss Grand International, described this boat trip in Cambodia as unbearable.

 The organizing committee of Miss Grand International 2024 Cambodia reveals images to counter accusations regarding the boat arrangements for contestants, showing well-prepared food and venues. 

Nawat’s criticisms of the Cambodian team were scathing. He questioned their experience in organizing national-level events and accused them of lacking creativity and responsibility. The director even went so far as to state that he was unafraid of potential legal action, suggesting a deep-seated frustration with the entire experience.

Throughout the press conference, Nawat emphasized that his criticism was directed solely at this particular organizing company and not at Cambodia or its people. He also stated that he did not want this to escalate into an international problem.

On the Cambodian side, Ms. Imm Sokunthea, Miss Grand Cambodia 2024 National Director, held a press conference with her team, which lasted more than 3 hours. During several parts of the conference, the participants cried due to their sadness at being criticized and having their host status canceled.