Bangkok — Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil has publicly apologised following a controversy during the Miss Universe 2025 pageant. The incident, which occurred on November 4, involved a confrontation with Miss Universe Mexico, Fatima Bosch, after she failed to post promotional content about Thailand.
During the exchange, Itsaragrisil was accused of insulting Bosch by saying, “If you follow the order from your national director, you’re a dumb head.” The remark quickly went viral, sparking global outrage and prompting Raul Rocha, president of the Miss Universe Organization, to condemn the statement and restrict Itsaragrisil’s participation in official events.
On November 5, during the welcoming ceremony for Miss Universe 2025, Itsaragrisil bowed before contestants and expressed regret. “I think you must understand that the pressure is a lot. I am a human. Sometimes, I cannot control… I have to say, I am so sorry it’s happened,” he said, adding that he respected all participants and did not intend harm.
In a press conference, Itsaragrisil clarified that he had not used the phrase “dumb head,” but rather “damage.” He explained: “I didn’t say ‘dumb head’ even one second… I said ‘damage’. If [Bosch] believed and listened to [her] national director, it’s ‘damage’.”
The controversy highlights the pressures surrounding international pageants, where cultural diplomacy and national representation intersect with global media scrutiny. For ASEAN audiences, the incident underscores the importance of respectful communication in events that serve as platforms for cultural exchange and soft power.
