BANGKOK — The Miss Grand International 2024 pageant faced disruption as a business conflict between the Thai and Cambodian organizing teams led to Cambodia losing its hosting status. On October 7, 2024, the pageant’s director, Nawat Itsaragrisil, announced the cancellation of Cambodia as the host country, citing the inability of the Cambodian team to meet contractual obligations. This decision prompted the recall of 74 contestants to Thailand, where the competition resumed on October 8.
The Cambodian side, led by Miss Grand Cambodia’s National Director, Imm Sokunthea, expressed disappointment and frustration in a press conference held on October 9, 2024, after the cancellation was confirmed. Sotheary Bee, Miss Grand Cambodia 2024, withdrew from the competition, citing the conflict between the two organizing teams.
In a press conference aboard the Meridian Cruise ship on October 8, Nawat expressed regret over the decision, attributing the failure to insufficient vetting of the Cambodian organizers. He revealed that issues became evident early on, from inadequate preparations at the airport to missing event elements such as backdrops and proper security. Attendance at the event was far below expectations, and high-profile guests, including the Cambodian Minister of Tourism, failed to attend.
Nawat’s concerns grew during a boat trip planned for the contestants, which he described as poorly organized. He claimed that the Cambodian team suggested canceling due to rain, but Miss Grand International insisted on continuing. When the team arrived, they struggled to find the prepared boat, and tensions escalated, leading to an abrupt end to discussions between both sides.
The Cambodian organizing committee defended its efforts, releasing images of food and venues they had prepared, asserting that delays were due to weather. Sokunthea tearfully responded to the criticisms, stating that her team had done everything possible to promote Cambodia through the pageant, but faced numerous demands. She vowed to prevent Miss Grand International from returning to Cambodia in the future.
Miss Grand International, founded in 2013 by Nawat Itsaragrisil, is based in Bangkok and has since expanded its business ventures beyond beauty pageants into industries such as advertising, entertainment, and cosmetics.
