Who Is Nawat Itsaragrisil? Facts About the Executive Director of "Miss Universe"
The Thai businessman joined the Miss Universe organization early this year.
Published on Nov 12, 2025
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Miss Universe 2025 coronation night on November 21, the global pageant has found itself in the middle of controversy following remarks made by its newly appointed executive director, Nawat Itsaragrisil.
On November 4, the pageant held its annual sashing ceremony, where delegates officially received their country sashes. During the event, Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch unexpectedly walked out of the venue after a tense onstage exchange with Nawat, who also heads Miss Universe Thailand and serves as part of the host committee.
During an online livestream of the event, Nawat called out Fátima in front of the other candidates, and questioned her lack of social media posts about the host country and its sponsors. He reportedly described her silence as “disrespectful” to Thailand.
“Mexico, I heard you don’t agree to post about Thailand or our activities. Is it true?” Nawat asked.
Fátima responded that she had been following her national director’s instructions, but Nawat interrupted, calling her “dumb” for doing so. The comment drew audible reactions from the crowd, prompting Fátima to reply, “You are not respecting me as a woman.”
Moments later, Nawat asked security to escort her out of the venue.
Several contestants, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig, walked out in solidarity with Fátima.
Two days later, during the official welcoming ceremony, Nawat addressed the incident and offered an apology during his speech.
“I did not intend to harm anyone because I respect all of you. But I have to say, I am so sorry this happened,” he said.
Following the controversy, the Miss Universe committee has reportedly limited Nawat’s involvement in this year’s production.
Who Is Nawat Itsaragrisil of Miss Universe Organization?
He is 60 years old.
Nawat was born on August 10, 1965, in Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi, Thailand.
He has a degree in economics.
He graduated with an economics degree from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
He started out as a TV host.
Nawat first rose to popularity as a television host. He first appeared on Exhibition Show and Kon Thueng Chan, later joining the Today Show as part of its travel and lifestyle segment.
He founded Miss Grand International.
In 2013, he launched both Miss Grand Thailand and Miss Grand International, which he continues to oversee today.
5. He currently serves as the national director of Miss Universe Thailand.
In 2025, Nawat acquired the Miss Universe Thailand license from TPN Global. That same year, he was officially named Executive Director of the Miss Universe Organization.
6. He once directed Miss Thailand World.
From 2007 to 2012, Nawat was the director and executive producer of the Miss Thailand World pageant.
He has been involved in several body-shaming controversies.
Over the years, Nawat has faced backlash for his remarks about contestants’ appearances. During Miss Grand International 2016, he allegedly told Miss Iceland 2015, Arna Ýr Jónsdóttir, that she was “too fat” and needed to lose weight. The Icelandic model dropped out of the pageant after the remarks.
In 2022, he again drew criticism after saying in a livestream that Miss Vietnam Doan Thien An had “too long a torso and too short legs,” explaining why she didn’t make the Top 10 at Miss Grand International 2022.
Earlier this year, he stirred more controversy after Miss Grand International 2024 winner Rachel Gupta resigned from her title. Nawat posted side-by-side photos labeled “Before” and “After,” suggesting she had undergone cosmetic surgery, followed by another post accusing her of altering her looks.
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