Miss Universe 2025 queens, Nawat Itsaragrisil to attend MUPH 2026 coronation
MANILA, Philippines — (UPDATED: April 30, 2:35 p.m.) Miss Universe 2025 first runner-up Praveenar "Veena" Singh of Thailand will be in attendance when Ahtisa Manalo crowns her successor as Miss Universe Philippines.
The social media accounts of Miss Universe Thailand confirmed that Veena would be visiting the Philippines this long weekend, from May 1 to 3.
Included on her agenda is the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation, which takes place on May 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Accompanying Veena is Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, the national director of Miss Universe Thailand and the executive director of the main Miss Universe organization.
Nawat most recently visited the Philippines for the homecoming of Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Mary Tiglao, who succeeded fellow Filipina CJ Opiaza.
Veena won Miss Universe Thailand on her fourth attempt after two second runner-up finishes in 2018 and 2023 and a first runner-up finish in 2020.
Nawat's counterpart in China, Owen Chue, and Miss Universe 2025 Zhao Na are also gracing the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night on Saturday.
During the Miss Universe 2025 pageant held in Thailand, Ahtisa was among the favorites to win but ultimately finished as the third runner-up.
Veena, meanwhile, bested the title by Mexico's Fatima Bosch, a result that many pageant fans still find controversial.
Ahtisa and Veena declined to be appointed Miss Universe Asia so Zhao, the delegate of China who was the only other Asian that finished in the Top 12. She was tapped to succeed the Philippines' Chelsea Manalo.
Zhao, Veena, and Ahtisa's successors will compete in the diamond edition of Miss Universe taking place later this year in Puerto Rico.
RELATED: Miss Universe confirms Puerto Rico as 2026 edition hosts
