Thailand's Opal Suchata Chuangsri reacts after being crowned Miss World by last year's Miss World winner, Czech Republic's Krystyna Pyszkova, at the 72nd Miss World finale in Hyderabad, India, May 31, 2025.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Hyderabad: Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri was crowned the 72nd Miss World in a spectacular finale at the Hitex Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, receiving prize money of Rs 8.5 crore on Saturday.
Born in Phuket, Thailand, Suchata secured the coveted crown after delivering an outstanding final answer, triumphing over representatives from Martinique, Ethiopia, and Poland in the top-4.
In a dazzling ceremony, Opal was crowned by Krystyna Pyszková from the Czech Republic, the 71st Miss World, who gracefully passed on the title to her successor. The coronation moment was met with thunderous applause as the newly crowned Miss World 2025 stood radiant, embodying compassion, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose.
Co-hosted by Stephanie del Valle, Miss World 2016, and Indian television presenter Sachiin Kumbhar, the finale was infused with glamour and emotion. The crowd was mesmerized by energetic performances from Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter, adding a vibrant Indian flair to the global event.
One of the highlights was the presentation of the Miss World Humanitarian Award to actor and humanitarian Sonu Sood, honoured for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian work. His efforts have touched millions across India and the world, making him a fitting recipient of this distinguished award. Sood also served as one of the esteemed judges alongside an impressive panel of experts.
The judging panel featured philanthropist and entrepreneur Sudha Reddy, who was named Global Ambassador for Beauty With a Purpose 2025 and had earlier hosted the Beauty With a Purpose Gala Dinner. Dr. Caryna Turrell, Miss England 2014, brought her expertise as a public health physician, philanthropist, and Fellow at the University of Cambridge. Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman of Miss World, headed the jury and announced the winner, while reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyszková also participated in selecting her successor.
The competition began with 108 delegates from around the world, advancing ten semifinalists from each continental region—Africa, Americas & Caribbean, Europe, and Asia & Oceania—to create a field of 40 quarterfinalists. Several contestants had already advanced by winning fast-track challenges including Top Model, Sports Challenge, Talent, Multimedia, Head-to-Head, and Beauty With a Purpose, while remaining semifinalists were selected through personal interviews with judges.
The field was progressively narrowed from 40 quarterfinalists to a Top 20, then to the Top 8, followed by the announcement of four continental winners. These exceptional women faced the jury one final time, answering thought-provoking questions that tested their vision, eloquence, and values—responses that played a crucial role in determining the ultimate winner.
The final standings saw Ethiopia's Hasset Dereje as 1st runner-up, Poland's Maja Klajda as 2nd runner-up, and Martinique's Aurélie Joachim as 3rd runner-up. Throughout the evening, contestants showcased their elegance in national costumes, evening gowns, and stunning creations by official fashion designer Archana Kochhar.
Chairwoman Julia Morley praised the finalists for their depth, grace, and clarity of thought, stating, "Tonight, the world saw not just beauty, but brilliance, courage, and a call for change. Miss Thailand has shown us that she is more than a winner she is a woman of purpose, with a voice that the world is ready to hear."
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Opal Suchata expressed her gratitude and vision: "This moment is not just a personal victory, it is a shared dream of every young girl who wants to be seen, heard, and create change. I am honored to represent this legacy and use my time as Miss World to make a real difference."
The 72nd Miss World Festival marked Telangana's first time hosting the prestigious event and India's third time overall, following 1996 and 2024.
The month-long celebration transformed Hyderabad into a global stage of unity and elegance, showcasing the state's warmth, rich heritage, and growing stature as a cultural and international hub.
The event culminated a inspiring four-week journey where contestants immersed themselves in cultural exchanges, community outreach, and purpose-led leadership initiatives, truly reflecting the spirit of 'Beauty With a Purpose.'
Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri bested three other candidates with her winning answer in the final question-and-answer portion.
The other candidates were Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia, Maja Klajda of Poland, and Aurélie Joachim of Martinique.
Question to Miss Thailand: What has this journey taught you about truth and personal responsibility in shaping how stories are told?
Answer: Thank you so much for the question. And 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 tourists is 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 the gracefulness in your actions. That is the best thing we can do to the people around us and in our world. Thank you so much.