Thai police have launched an investigation into the Miss Universe organizing team after a Filipino contestant was seen promoting an online gambling website — an act prohibited under Thailand’s strict anti-gambling laws.
The incident took place during pre-pageant events at a hotel in Bangkok on Sunday, drawing scrutiny to the international beauty competition just weeks before its grand finale.
According to The Thaiger, members of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) allegedly instructed the Filipina candidate to pose with a pillow featuring the Playtime logo, a Philippine-based online casino licensed by PAGCOR. The footage briefly appeared on official social media channels, prompting complaints from witnesses and hotel staff. Local police were called to the scene around 4 p.m., confiscated the branded pillow and filming equipment, and brought members of the organizing team in for questioning.
Nawat Itsaragrisil, vice president of Miss Universe Thailand and chairman of the country’s host committee, told reporters he was unaware of the shoot and that the presence of gambling-related imagery “raised immediate concern.” He emphasized that the Thai organizers had “no participation whatsoever” in the campaign, noting that the activity clearly violated Thai law.
A statement from Miss Universe Thailand further distanced the local host from the global organizer, asserting that “the said promotion was carried out solely by the Miss Universe Organization.” The statement added that, as the official host of the 74th Miss Universe competition, the Thai committee is responsible only for local operations and not for any sponsorship arrangements involving online casinos.
Inquirer.net reported that MUO brought in the Filipino company behind Playtime as the “official journey partner” of the event, despite Thailand’s prohibition on gambling advertising. The dispute escalated after police entered the hotel to seize promotional materials. Online commentators, including Cuban pageant vlogger Luis Portelles, described the incident as “chaotic” and reflective of rising tension between MUO and its Thai counterpart.
The Miss Universe Organization, co-owned by Mexico’s Legacy Holdings and Thailand’s JKN Group, has faced internal conflicts since former CEO Anne Jakrajutatip stepped down earlier this year. Current president Raul Rocha has reportedly clashed with Thai organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil over control of promotional and media activities ahead of the upcoming Miss Universe competition in Thailand on November 27th.
The controversy comes as Thailand reaffirms its opposition to gambling legalization. During high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated that his government “will not pursue casino legalization,” underscoring the nation’s long-standing no-casino policy despite regional trends toward gaming expansion.
Thai authorities have yet to announce whether formal charges will be filed against MUO personnel. AGB has reached out to Playtime for comment but had received no response as of press time.
