According to the statement, the Miss Universe Organization discovered that TPN Global, the organizing body behind Miss Universe Thailand, failed to adhere to the established protocols set forth for National Directors. Specifically, TPN Global reportedly sent a reigning Miss Universe titleholder to participate in another pageant before the completion of her term.
"We have discovered that TPN Global did not comply with the protocols set by the National Directors (ND) by sending a Miss Universe Queen to participate in another pageant before completing her reign. We deeply regret any incidents where these actions have violated our internal protocols and expectations," the Miss Universe Organization stated.
Emphasizing the significance of the Miss Universe title, the organization highlighted that it "is not only an honor but also a responsibility that requires dedication and respect for the commitments agreed upon."
While the official statement refrained from explicitly naming Opal, it is understood that she was the third runner-up at the Miss Universe 2024 competition held in Mexico five months prior, in November.
The controversy stems from Opal's recent crowning as Miss World Thailand 2025 on Tuesday. The Miss Universe Organization views her participation in another major international pageant before the conclusion of her Miss Universe reign as a direct violation of her contractual obligations.
"For this reason, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw the third runner-up title from the person who had been honored with it, due to the breach of her contractual obligations by participating in an external pageant," the Miss Universe Organization explained.
The organization further emphasized the importance of titleholders fulfilling their duties throughout their entire 12-month reign, stating, "This decision underscores our expectation that all winners fulfill their duties throughout their entire reign. The actions of the ND compromise the decorum and professionalism of the Queen’s full 12-month service."
Looking ahead, the Miss Universe Organization announced that effective May 1, 2025, stricter regulations will be implemented for all National Directors concerning titleholders' participation in other pageants during their reign.
"Our shared goal is to empower the Miss Universe family to maintain mutual respect, faith, and trust among all its members. Our primary mission is to inspire and empower through the Miss Universe brand, providing opportunities for the personal and professional growth of all involved," the statement read.
The organization also expressed its gratitude to its partners and contestants for their understanding and commitment to the core principles of Miss Universe.
The development means that Opal Chuangsri will proceed to compete against the Philippine representative, Krishnah Gravidez, at the Miss World 2025 pageant, scheduled to take place on May 31 in India, but will do so without the distinction of being a Miss Universe third runner-up. This decision underscores the Miss Universe Organization's firm stance on upholding its contractual agreements and maintaining the exclusivity associated with its titleholders during their reign.