In an emotional and unforgettable homecoming, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the newly crowned Miss World 2025, returned to Thailand on Saturday morning, receiving a hero’s welcome that reflected the pride of an entire nation. Thailand’s first-ever Miss World was greeted by a sea of thousands at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where tears, cheers, and tradition merged in an impressive display of national unity and joy.

Opal arrived accompanied by Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman of the Miss World Organization, who was warmly embraced by the Thai people with flowers, applause, and deep admiration. The crowd at the airport included young fans, supporters waving Thai flags.

Miss World’s humbly expressed her deepest gratitude for the royal kindness of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, who graciously sent royal representative Khun Siris Chuachart to the airport to present a bouquet of royal flowers to her as a gesture of congratulations on the occasion of her return to Thailand.

“This royal benevolence is an immeasurable and cherished honor, which I will forever hold in my heart with the deepest respect and gratitude”, Miss World said.

Many joyful fans  added their own sparkle to the celebration, some wearing replicas of the Miss World crown, others dressed as Miss World herself or as Julia Morley CBE. Their creativity and enthusiasm were a beautiful reminder of just how deeply this victory has touched the hearts of the Thai people.

The welcome marks a historic first: in 74 years of Miss World history, Thailand had never claimed the crown, that is until now.

 It is also a landmark moment for Brian Macar, the country’s Miss World license holder since 1980, who celebrated his first victory as national director after joining forces with TPN Group earlier this year.

As Opal emerged from the airport wearing her crown and Miss World sash, the atmosphere erupted in cheers. Cameras flashed, fans cried, and she walked with grace among them, visibly holding back tears as emotion swept over her. Her gratitude and humility were palpable.

The celebration continued with the ‘Homecoming 72nd Miss World’ event and a ‘Celebration Parade for Thailand’s First Miss World’, which made its way through Bangkok’s iconic Sukhumvit Road. Heading to the parade’s starting point, from the sunroof of her car, Opal waved the Thai flag with pride while fans carried her posters and lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the nation’s new queen.

A chariot-like float led the parade, adorned with elephant idols, the national animal of Thailand, the Miss World iconic crown, and a special throne for Opal at its center. Thousands followed (over 250,000 people spread across two kilometers) as her float wound its way through the capital’s most popular districts.

The tribute didn’t end there. In recognition of her triumph, The Mall Group, one of Thailand’s largest retail empires, led by chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh, gifted Opal a 1 million Baht shopping voucher (approx. USD 30,000).

The Thai Post also announced the release of commemorative stamps bearing her image, turning her victory into a permanent piece of national history.

It all unfolded at The Mall, where over 3,000 enthusiastic fans gathered for an unforgettable celebration, as sponsors were thanked for making all this possible. The crowd had the chance to ask Opal questions, take selfies with their queen, and share in the joy of her historic triumph.

 One of the most touching moments came when a group of children joined Miss World on stage and sang the organization’s anthem, “Light the Passion, Share the Dream”. The performance moved many to tears and perfectly captured the spirit of unity and inspiration that Opal’s victory has ignited.

Throughout the day, Opal remained visibly moved. More than once, she wiped away tears, thanking the Thai people for lifting her on this journey. “This crown belongs to all of us,” she said quietly to a crowd that needed no microphone to hear the emotion in her voice.

In her speech, Opal shared words of wisdom:

“No matter who you are or what title you hold, someone always looks up to you. The best way to lead is with grace and action. That is the most powerful thing we can give to the people around us and to our world.”

The day’s events served not only as a tribute to Opal’s international triumph in Hyderabad, India, where she won the 72nd Miss World Festival, but also as a celebration of Thailand’s values: grace, resilience, and unity.

“We are immensely proud of Opal. In such a short time, she has shown the world the strength of her character, a young woman with a kind heart, deeply rooted family values, and a powerful sense of purpose,” said Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman and Founder of the Miss World Organization. “Her longstanding commitment to breast cancer awareness is inspiring, and it’s a cause we will champion together, bringing vital education and support to every corner of the world. Opal represents everything Miss World stands for: beauty with a purpose and the power to uplift others.”

It was a day to remember, for Opal, for Thailand, and for the global Miss World family. And as the sun set over Bangkok, the roar of applause lingered in the air, echoing a simple truth: history had been made, and a star had come home.

And it’s only the beginning of her journey as Miss World and a Beauty With a Purpose ambassador. Since the homecoming event, Suchata had the honour of meeting Mr Somsak Thepsuthin the minister of Public Health in Thailand to drive forward her Beauty with a Purpose Campaign called #OpalForHer to raise more awareness about Breast Cancer . “ With the Ministrys support , we are taking the mission from Thailand to the world “ said Suchaata in her Instagram post .

One of the greatest honours of Suchata’s life so far is meeting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the first Thai Woman to wear the Miss World crown.

The Miss World Organization extends its deepest appreciation to Khun Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group, along with UOB LIVE, Tero Entertainment, Mr. Brian L. Marcar, TPN GLOBAL, Mr. Wichai Thongtang and Pui Sankosik, Thai Airways International PCL, Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Bangkok, Teng Da Intergroup, and Millennium Auto for the magnificent and gracious welcome extended to Miss World 2025 upon her return home.

See more stunning images on @missworld Instagram & facebook account