An intense scene unfolded shortly after Miss Grand India, Rachel Gupta, was crowned Miss Grand International 2024 in Bangkok on October 25. Moments after the announcement, Miss Grand Myanmar Thae Su Nyein, who was named second runner-up, and her national director, Htoo Ant Lwin, displayed strong reactions to the pageant’s results.
Witnesses noted that when Nyein descended from the stage, Lwin removed both her crown and sash in an emotional moment. Supporters lifted Nyein, visibly upset by the outcome, sparking widespread discussion online. Observers shared that the 18-year-old beauty queen seemed to have high hopes for the title, and her disappointment was palpable.
The dramatic response has received mostly negative reactions, with critics labeling the behavior as unprofessional. A Filipino observer who attended the coronation expressed disappointment, saying, “Myanmar was just a poor loser… her National Director acted bratty as well.” He further suggested, “For me, Nawat [Itsaragrisil, the pageant founder] should dethrone her as second runner-up.”
Lwin later posted cryptically on Facebook, stating, “I’m calm now. Will you re-sign the contract?” hinting at unresolved agreements between him and the pageant founder. Supporters of Nyein even accused the event of being a “cooking show,” or rigged, fueling more online speculation.
In contrast, many Filipino pageant fans welcomed the results after Philippine representative Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza was awarded first runner-up. They embraced the decision, celebrating Gupta’s victory as well-deserved and fair.
