Miss Universe 2026: 6 Southeast Asian Nations Out

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What Readers Should Know

Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore will not participate in Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico amid a dispute over national franchise agreements. MGI said the conditions for participation could not adequately protect the representatives and emphasized that their absence does not constitute voluntary withdrawal or abandonment of franchise rights. The affected national titleholders will continue…

Key Takeaways

Six Southeast Asian countries will be absent from Miss Universe 2026: Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The dispute involves the recognition and authorization of national franchise agreements.
MGI says the non-participation should not be treated as voluntary withdrawal or surrender of franchise rights.
The affected women already crowned will continue serving as national titleholders.
Bea Millan-Windorski will represent the Philippines in Puerto Rico this November.

Six Southeast Asian countries will not participate in Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico this November amid a dispute over national franchise agreements.

Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore are affected by the disagreement involving the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and Miss Universe East (MU East), led by Thai beauty entrepreneur Nawat Itsaragrisil. Their absence follows months of conflicting positions over franchise authority and eligibility.

Miss Grand International (MGI), which Nawat also heads, said it could no longer send representatives from the six franchises under conditions that would adequately protect their standing, dignity, safety, and equal treatment.

The organization emphasized that their non-participation should not be interpreted as a voluntary withdrawal, abandonment of franchise rights, or acceptance of the position taken against them.

Franchise disagreement affects participation

The dispute centers on the authority to grant national Miss Universe franchise agreements.

MUO announced last month that it would not recognize agreements made without an authorized legal licensing framework, describing such arrangements as unauthorized and void.

MU East disputed that position and had previously maintained its support for the six countries’ participation in the pageant’s 75th edition.

The disagreement has now left the affected franchises unable to send their representatives to Puerto Rico for this year’s competition.

Four countries have already selected titleholders

Four of the affected countries have named their national representatives:

Thailand: Tharina Botes
Vietnam: Nguyen Quynh Anh
Singapore: Vion Tan
Malaysia: Eunice Wong

Indonesia and Laos had not yet selected delegates, according to the report.

MGI said the women already crowned would continue fulfilling their responsibilities as national titleholders. These include representing their communities, supporting social causes, and using their platforms to inspire others.

The organization also reaffirmed its support for the affected franchises, national directors, delegates, and pageant communities.

Philippines continues its Miss Universe campaign

The Philippines remains represented by Bea Millan-Windorski, who will compete for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown.

She will vie to succeed Mexico’s Fatima Bosch at the November competition in Puerto Rico.

For the six affected Southeast Asian franchises, the announcement confirms their absence from this year’s competition while leaving their competing positions on franchise rights unresolved.

Reader Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries will not participate in Miss Universe 2026?

Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore will not participate.

Why will the six countries be absent?

Their participation has been affected by a dispute over the authority and validity of national franchise agreements.

Did the six franchises voluntarily withdraw?

MGI says their non-participation should not be interpreted as voluntary withdrawal, abandonment of franchise rights, or acceptance of the position taken against them.

Will the affected national titleholders continue their duties?

Yes. MGI said the women already crowned will continue their responsibilities, community representation, and advocacy work.

Who will represent the Philippines?

Bea Millan-Windorski will represent the Philippines at the November competition in Puerto Rico.

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About the Author

Gabriel

Introvert, wanderer, blogger, foodie, a hip-hop music writer, and one of the co-founders of a tech start-up company called GigsManila.