‘She’s my inspiration’: Miss Universe Thailand 2026 Tharina Botes names Catriona Gray in final Q&A

Thai-South African model Tharina Botes named Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray as the titleholder who inspired her the most after being crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026.

“Oh my gosh, my favorite Miss Universe would definitely have to be Catriona Gray from the Philippines,” the Thai queen said during the final Q-and-A portion during the grand coronation night at the MGI Hall in Bangkok on Sunday, Aug. 23.

“For me, she is the ultimate package,” she added, praising Gray’s performance, communication skills, and signature “slowmo lava walk” during the 2018 competition.

Botes also looked to Gray’s pageant journey as an example of perseverance, particularly the Filipina's experience at Miss World 2016 before eventually winning the Miss Universe crown two years later.

“She showed us that rejection is just redirection. And she came back and went to win Miss Universe. She’s my inspiration, and I hope to be like her."

The newly crowned Miss Universe Thailand also shared a detail that made her especially happy. "And she followed me on Instagram the other day! I am so happy,” she said.

Botes is a pageant veteran. Before winning the Miss Universe Thailand crown, she was Miss International South Africa in 2016, Miss Grand Phuket in 2019, first runner-up at Miss Universe Thailand 2021 and Miss Thailand World 2023.

She also reached the Top 10 of the inaugural Miss Grand International All Stars 2026 in May.

Botes will now represent Thailand at Miss Universe 2026, where she will face delegates from around the world, including the Philippines’ Bea Millan-Windorski.

Gray won Miss World Philippines 2016 and Miss Universe Philippines 2018 before representing the Philippines at the international competitions. She placed in the Top 5 at Miss World 2016 and went on to win Miss Universe 2018, becoming the fourth Filipina to win the title.