BANGKOK– Praveenar “Veena” Singh has made history by becoming the first Thai-Indian to win Miss Universe Thailand 2025 at MGI Hall in Bangkok. The 29-year-old from Saraburi dazzled both the audience and judges, marking a landmark moment in the pageant’s history.
Her win, crowned by Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova, reflects years of dedication and determination. Veena’s journey to the crown spanned nearly ten years and four competitions, showing incredible persistence and pride in her dual heritage.
The pageant finale brought together 77 hopefuls from across Thailand, attracting thousands both in the audience and online via YouTube. The night started with an energetic dance show, building excitement for what was to follow.
Contestants competed in both swimsuit and evening gown rounds, where Veena’s grace and confidence quickly caught the spotlight. The judges selected her as one of the Top 5 finalists. During the question-and-answer round, Veena’s clear speaking and strong stage presence set her apart.
She took the title ahead of Praewwanich “Praew” Ruangthong from Bangkok (runner-up) and Narumon “Dale” Pimpakdee from Phuket (second runner-up). Sharing her joy online,
Veena posted her official winning portrait and wrote, “Today, all eight years of hard work have paid off. Let’s walk this path to Miss Universe together.”
Born in Chiang Mai
Veena’s path to the crown was a story of effort and family support. Born in Chiang Mai on 16 April 1996 to Indian parents, she grew up embracing both Thai and Indian traditions. She attended Satriyala School in Yala, later earning a degree in Russian from Thammasat University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts.
Veena is fluent in English, Thai, and Russian. Her first pageant appearance came in 2018, representing Chiang Mai, where she placed second runner-up. Returning in 2020, she was named first runner-up, and in 2023, as Phuket’s representative, she again finished second runner-up.
Representing Sao Hai district in Saraburi this year, she finally claimed the title. Reflecting on her journey,
Veena told a pageant publication, “I believe I stand as a good example of hard work and belief in diversity,” highlighting her dedication to her roots and her drive.
Her win is not only a first for someone of Thai-Indian descent but also in terms of personal milestones. Veena was recognized in 2023 as the first married woman to compete in Miss Universe Thailand after new rules allowed married women and mothers to enter.
She had married Thai-Indian businessman Hanchareon Singthakwal in 2022 and divorced in 2024, becoming the first divorced woman to take the title since the rule change. “Thailand is an open-minded country, and I want to show the world the diversity here,” she said, sharing her mission to represent the many cultures that call Thailand home.
Veena’s rise to Miss Universe Thailand 2025
Family support has been central to Veena’s rise. At the preliminary round on 20 August, her mother and grandmother cheered from the crowd. “Veena has always worked so hard, both in school and towards her dream. We’re very proud,” said her mother to local reporters.
Her grandmother added, holding back tears, “She carries both Thailand and India in her heart. Now she will take that with her to the world.” Messages of support flooded social media soon after the win, with many praising her pride in her heritage and her never-give-up attitude.
Veena’s ties with India are deep. Born to Indian parents in Chiang Mai, she was granted Overseas Citizenship of India in 2021, recognizing her close connection to her family’s roots. Her background has gained warm attention across social media, with posts celebrating her as a symbol of the Thai-Indian community’s growing presence.
User @PravitR on X wrote, “It’s time for Thai-Indians to shine,” capturing the community’s pride. In May 2025, she appeared at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, turning heads in a turquoise silk dress and earning high praise from supermodel Bella Hadid, who remarked on her striking looks. That moment on the red carpet hinted at her upcoming success.
Looking ahead, Veena is ready to represent Thailand at the 74th Miss Universe competition on 21 November 2025 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi. She will compete with over 120 contestants from around the world, including the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo and Australia’s Lexie Brant.
“I want to do my best as Thailand’s representative at Miss Universe,” she shared, promising to highlight the country’s welcoming spirit and cultural blend. Her win has already started discussions about what real diversity and progress mean, with organizers saying her journey proves that believing and working hard always matter.
Veena’s triumph is about much more than a crown. It marks a new era for Thai beauty pageants, celebrating difference, strength, and the power of believing in yourself.
