Nonthawan “Maeya” Thongleng, a 22-year-old model from Surat Thani was crowned this year’s Miss Thailand World on Saturday night.
In a break with recent tradition, she was warmly welcomed by the press and Internet.
Netizens happily congratulated Maeya, the model and award-winning luk thung singer who will represent Thailand on Dec. 14 at the international Miss World contest in London
Unlike the scandalous Miss Universe Thailand, whose winner stepped down under harsh online criticism about her weight and hateful comments, Maeya seems to have won Thailand’s heart with a clean profile and waifish measurements of 31-23-31 inches, 173 centimeters and 49 kilograms.
One of the most-discussed qualities of Maeya is her beautiful tan skin, which some netizens hope marks a change in Thailand’s pageant culture, where fair skin and a Eurasian heritage have often proved an advantage.
“I’m happy with her! Enough with the fair skin,” user SongHeaWon wrote. “She has a unique look, and she can answer questions very well. We might get into the finals after all.”
Others dreamed of a day we can quit our collective addiction to skin bleach.
“I’m glad this tan-skinned girl will get a chance to represent Thai beauty on the international stage” user fm@co wrote. “I hope this will help get rid of the white-skin craze among Thais,”
Meanwhile, second and third places went to Venus Nantachai and Chatrika Sitthiprom, respectively.
Photos: Miss Thailand Wold BEC-Tero
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