Overview
- Preliminary competition took place on November 19 at Bangkok’s IMPACT Challenger Hall, with swimsuit and evening gown judging following the National Costume show earlier in the day.
- Omar Harfouch quit the judging panel alleging an improvised off‑books jury and preselected semifinalists, claims the Miss Universe Organization formally denied; announced judge Claude Makélélé also withdrew.
- Mexico’s Fátima Bosch drew standout attention in both national costume and swimsuit after an earlier clash with Thai director Nawat Itsaragrisil that prompted walkouts, for which he later issued a public apology.
- Multiple delegates exited or were replaced before the event, including Persia’s Sahar Biniaz, Germany’s Diana Fast, Niger’s Zoulahatou Amadou, China’s Xuhe Hou (replaced by Zhao Na), and Congo’s Déborah Djema (replaced by Dorcas Dienda Kasinde).
- The Top 30 will comprise 29 selections from the official scoring plus one People’s Choice spot, with the final set for November 21 at IMPACT Arena in Pak Kret.