Opal, a model and international relations student from Phuket, Thailand, began advocating breast cancer awareness after discovering a benign lump at 16, inspiring her to promote early detection and health education across her country
Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri has been crowned the winner of the 72nd Miss World pageant, held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad on May 31. The crown was passed on by outgoing titleholder Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic, who was Miss World 2024.
Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje secured the position of first runner-up, while Poland’s Maja Klajda took the second runner-up title. Martinique’s Aurlie Joachim rounded out the top four finalists. Among 108 contestants from across the globe, India's Nandini Gupta earned a spot in the top 20.
Opal, a model and student of international relations from Phuket, Thailand, is known for her advocacy in breast cancer awareness. Her mission was shaped by personal experience — discovering a benign lump in her breast at age 16 — which drove her to campaign for early detection and health education in her country.
She graced the finale in a shimmering gown inspired by the symbolic qualities of the opal gemstone, representing resilience, beauty, and transformation. The dress was also a tribute to her campaign, "Opal For HER."
Opal’s journey and event highlights
Earlier, Opal represented Thailand at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico City, where she initially finished as the third runner-up. However, that title was revoked after she accepted the Miss World Thailand 2025 crown before completing her Miss Universe Thailand tenure.
The Hyderabad finale was hosted by Miss World 2016 Stephanie del Valle and anchor Sachiin Kumbhar. The evening featured energetic performances by Bollywood actors Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter. The judging panel included actor Sonu Sood—who was also honoured with the Miss World Humanitarian Award—Sudha Reddy, Miss England 2014 Dr Caryna Turrell, and Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova. Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman of Miss World, led the jury.
Indian film personalities Manushi Chhillar, Rana Daggubati, and Namrata Shirodkar, along with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and actor-politician Chiranjeevi, were among the distinguished attendees.
India hosted the Miss World pageant for the second consecutive year. The 71st edition, held in Mumbai, saw Krystyna Pyszkova win the global title before crowning her successor in Hyderabad.
