BANGKOK (The Nation Thailand/ANN): Thai-Danish beauty queen Anntonia Porsild, 26, became the first contestant from Thailand in 35 years to make it to the final round of the Miss Universe pageant, finishing first runner-up on Sunday.
Her impressive performance in the 72nd Miss Universe pageant held in El Salvador was credited to her answer in the round of the final five contestants. Porsild in the end finished first runner-up.
Millions of people from around the world were glued to their TV screens on Sunday. #MissUniversThaland2023 and the name of Anntonia in Thai became the top two X trends in Thailand throughout Sunday morning.
“If you could speak to a room full of students about online bullying, what would you say?” Anntonia was asked.
Showing class and composure, she replied: “I would say to not listen to what people have to say because in the end everyone is entitled to their own opinion but it is up to us on how we react to it.
“Use our voice to stand up for what is right, and be the change that we want to see in the world by leading by example. Don’t listen to the hate because it doesn’t shape us, but what shapes us is how we get back up and how we move forward from that.”
Anntonia, who has an undergraduate degree in marketing and public relations from Stamford International University, gained recognition by participating in the first season of the popular TV show “The Face Thailand”. She made it to the top 15 and became a member of Ploy Chermarn’s team on the TV show.
Start of a winning streak
In 2019, she competed in the Miss Supranational Thailand 2019 beauty pageant and secured the title, becoming Thailand’s representative in the Miss Supranational 2019 international round, where she became the first Thai to claim the title.
Anntonia competed in the Miss Universe Thailand 2023 representing Nakhon Ratchasima province and was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2023 on August 20.
Amid the ecstasy she experienced after winning the Miss Universe Thailand 2023 title, the 27-year-old Anntonia was already focused on her message, which went beyond herself.
In an interview with The Nation, the Thai-Danish beauty shared her thoughts on the beauty pageant industry, and her vision for the future.
Her message
She said a beauty queen has to convey the message of being a force for good and be a beacon of light, not only for others but for oneself.
“We need to use social media as a positive platform to raise awareness and inspire others,” she emphasised, highlighting the importance of giving back to the community.
Anntonia said that even small acts of kindness could make a difference in the lives of those struggling around us.
She was unequivocal in affirming the influence of beauty queens in shaping the societal and economic landscapes in 2023. She stressed that beauty queens served as the voices of the unheard, and could utilise their public platform to highlight crucial issues. Beyond that, they also contribute to the nation’s soft power, promoting aspects like tourism, food, and culture that can ultimately contribute to economic growth.
‘Importance of giving back’
Addressing the disparity in the popularity of beauty pageants in Thailand and the West, Anntonia acknowledged that misconceptions exist. However, she firmly believed that these events hold deeper meaning and value for those who invest time in understanding them. She urged people to give beauty queens the chance to express their perspectives, as their insights might be surprising and enlightening.
Looking ahead to the coming year, Anntonia said she was excited about the opportunities for change and growth that lay ahead. She said she aimed to challenge preconceived notions and inspire her community to prioritise giving back. A determined Anntonia emphasised that even the smallest steps could lead to meaningful transformations.
She said her journey was a proof of the limitless potential that individuals possessed when they wholeheartedly pursued their dreams, inspired others, and wanted to make a genuine impact on the world around them.
