Get to know Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the first Thai crowned Miss World
Opal Suchata Chuangsri has become the first Thai woman to win the Miss World 2025 crown, marking a monumental achievement not just for her country but also for her own journey of resilience and redemption.
"I still can't believe it's true. My people in Thailand have been waiting for this. The first Miss World crown in more than 72 years, and I couldn't believe it's my honor to bring it home. I'm very proud, not only of myself but also of my people and my team, because they are the reason I am here," she said in an interview.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia's Hasset Dereje, the first runner-up, was crowned Miss World Africa. Second runner-up Maja Klajda bagged Miss World Europe, and third runner-up Martinique Aurélie Joachim earned Miss World Caribbean.
Philippines' Krishnah Gravidez was named Miss World Asia, Brazil's Jessica Pedroso as Miss World Americas, and Australia's Jasmine Stringer was hailed as Miss World Oceania.
During the pageant's question and answer round, Chuangsri wowed the judges when Indian actor Sonu Sood asked what her journey has taught her about storytelling and personal responsibility.
She responded, "Being here is the greatest opportunity I could ever have in life. And one thing that I learned being here at the Miss World is the responsibility of how stories [are] perceived. And I think that one big thing that we can do here, me and all the girls, including everyone here in the hall, is being the person who all of the people in our lives look up to."
"Because I always believe that no matter who you are, and no matter how old you are, no matter what title you hold in your life, there is always a person next to you, whether it's a child, whether it's an adult, it could even be your own parents that look up to you in a way. And the best way to lead people is to lead with gracefulness in your actions. That is the best thing we can do for the people around us and in our world. Thank you so much," she added.
To know more about the reigning Miss World, continue reading below.
A crossover queen
In 2024, Chuangsri represented Thailand at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, where she finished as third runner-up.
However, in April, the Miss Universe Organization officially withdrew her title and placement, citing a violation of competition rules. MUO stated that they discovered TPN Global, the organizer of Miss Universe Thailand, had not adhered to the regulations set by national directors, allowing a Miss Universe titleholder to participate in another pageant before completing her reign.
During her Miss Universe stint, Chuangsri received the Voice for Change–Silver award.
Meanwhile, she initially entered the Miss Universe Thailand and finished as the third runner-up in 2022. She was later promoted to second runner-up following the resignation of the original first runner-up, Nicolene Limsnukan.
Breast cancer awareness advocate
The current Miss World put the spotlight on breast cancer awareness for her Beauty with a Purpose challenge. She discovered a lump in her breast when she was 16 and later found that it was benign.
"I come from a family where breast cancer is an additional threat, so I think it's very important to raise awareness and make it more relevant in our society, especially among the youth, where we have to create a strong foundation for understanding the importance of early detection," she said.
With her advocacy project "Opal for HER," she is working to secure funding for medical care, research, and support services, and collaborate with major institutions like Thailand's Ministry of Public Health, the National Cancer Institute, Siriraj Cancer Foundation, Udonthani Cancer Hospital, the Breast Cancer Foundation of Queen Sirikit, to name a few.
"Our mission is to close the gap between patients and the care system because early detection truly saves lives. I'm also deeply grateful to the World Health Organization (WHO) representative for sharing invaluable information and guidance that strengthens our work. Together, we are creating lasting change," she said during the head-to-head challenge.
A multilingual queen
Chaungsri, who is fully Thai, went to international schools and is fluent in English apart from her mother tongue.
The 21-year-old also has a strong command of Chinese, having completed her secondary education at Triam Udom Suksa School in Bangkok, where she specialized in Chinese.
Presently, she is studying International Relations at the prestigious Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University. Her long-term dream is to become a diplomat.
A fur mom and musician
According to the Miss World website, Chuangsri has 16 cats and five dogs as pets. Aside from that, she has a special talent for playing the ukulele backwards.
