‘Chaos’ at Thai beauty pageant as contestant promotes iGaming

Police in Thailand are investigating organisers of the 74th Miss Universe beauty pageant after a Filipina contestant appeared to promote a Philippine online gambling website.

In a social media post, the contestant held an iPhone while cradling a pillow with the PlayTime logo.

An accompanying message said, “I’m checking if you’re already following me on PlayTime.” It also offered credits of PHP300K “as long as you follow”.

Online gambling is illegal in Thailand

PlayTime is licensed in the Philippines and promotes itself as the country’s No. 1 legitimate gaming site. In a Facebook post, it also touted its role as “an official journey partner” of the Miss Universe pageant.

In that capacity, it promised to “bring the magic of PlayTime to the global stage” with “exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access and surprises that will make this journey truly universal”.

But the operator shouldn’t have been surprised to know that online gambling is strictly prohibited in Thailand, where this year’s pageant winner is to be crowned in Nonthaburi on 21 November. The nation also bans most other forms of gambling except state-run lotteries and horse race betting.

Just last week, in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirukal agreed with Xi’s anti-gaming stance. Anutin pledged not to pursue casino legislation while he is in office.

Witnesses call police, ‘chaos’ ensues

The promotional shoot involving the contestant took place Sunday at a Bangkok hotel, reportedly under the direction of Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú, a shareholder in the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).

According to The Thaiger, the incident “prompted complaints from witnesses and hotel staff” who summoned police. On arrival, officers seized the branded pillow and video equipment. They then escorted members of the MUO team to the Wat Phraya Krai Police Station for questioning.

Nawat Itsaragrisil, vice president of Miss Universe Thailand, said he was unaware of the promotion. He said it “was carried out solely by the Miss Universe Organization”, without the knowledge or consent of Thai organisers.

Adding to the tension, Mexican contestant Fatima Bosch later refused Nawat’s request to participate in activities with the Thai public relations team. Accusing him of disrespectful behaviour, she stormed out, followed by Miss Universe 2024 winner Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark.

When other contestants attempted to join them, Nawat reportedly told security guards to block the doors. Cuban vlogger Luis Portelles described the incident as “chaotic”.

Theilvig later posted a photo of herself with other contestants on Instagram, writing, “This is women empowerment. This is sisterhood. Forever and always.”