Ang Thai-South African model na si Tharina Botes, 29, ang kinoronahang Miss Universe Thailand 2026.
Ginanap ang grand coronation sa MGI Hall, Bangkok, Thailand, Linggo ng gabi, Agosto 23, 2026.
Isa si Tharina sa makakalaban ni Bea Millan-Windorski ng Pilipinas sa 75th Miss Universe na mangyayari sa Nobyembre 24, 2026 sa San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Beterana si Tharina sa pagsali sa mga beauty contest.
Bago niya napanalunan ang korona at titulo ng Miss Universe Thailand, nagwagi na siya bilang Miss International South Africa noong 2016, Miss Grand Phuket 2019, 1st runner-up sa Miss Universe Thailand 2021, at Miss Thailand World 2023.
Top 10 candidate din si Tharina sa inaugural edition ng Miss Grand International All Stars 2026 na idinaos noong Mayo 30.
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THARINA BOTES NAMES CATRIONA GRAY AS THE MISS UNIVERSE WHO INSPIRED HER MOST
Ang pangalan ni Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray ng Pilipinas ang sagot ni Tharina sa Miss Universe Thailand 2026 final question na: “Which Miss Universe has inspired you the most and why?”
Saad niya: “Oh my gosh, my favorite Miss Universe would definitely have to be Catriona Gray from the Philippines.
“For me, she is the ultimate package.
"She won here in Thailand with her slowmo lava walk, the way she turns and the way she speaks, she’s so articulate and passionate.
“She’s my inspiration and I hope to be like her.
"And she really taught me that when you work hard and with determination and believe in ourselves, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
“And even though she didn’t place at Miss World [2016], she showed us that rejection is just redirection.
“And she came back and went to win Miss Universe.”
Kinikilig pang dagdag ni Tharina: “And she followed me on Instagram the other day! I am so happy. Mahal kita Catriona Gray and the Philippines. Love you!”
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