Miss Universe Pageant Sparks Gambling Advertisement Controversy
The issue of gambling advertisements took an unexpected turn when a pillow-based promotion caused a stir at the Miss Universe event in Thailand. Gambling advertising is often controversial, but this particular marketing effort raised alarms in a surprising setting.
Local reports indicate that police intervened after members of the Miss Universe Organisation (MOU) allegedly directed some contestants to pose with a pillow displaying the logo of Playtime, an online casino based in the Philippines. This action violates Thai law, which prohibits gambling, leading authorities to confiscate the pillow and filming equipment, and question MOU members involved.
Miss Universe Thailand, the event’s local host, promptly distanced itself from the incident, emphasizing that the promotion was “carried out solely by the MOU.”
Conflict Between Organisers
The controversy escalated into a public dispute, shifting the event’s normally friendly atmosphere into tension-filled exchanges between the CEO of Miss Universe Thailand, Nawat Itsaragrisil, and MOU Co-founder Raul Rocha Cantu.
Itsaragrisil accused the MOU of obstructing his efforts to promote his own sponsors. In retaliation, Cantu criticized Itsaragrisil’s company, Miss Grand International (MGI), sharing a screenshot on Instagram highlighting the decline in MGI’s stock price.
“The promotion was carried out solely by the MOU,” stated Miss Universe Thailand to clarify their position.
Nawat Itsaragrisil claimed that the MOU blocked his promotional activities.
Raul Rocha Cantu posted an Instagram screenshot showing Miss Grand International’s falling stock price.
These events have overshadowed the competition, fueling an unexpected conflict between key figures involved in the pageant's organisation.
Author’s Summary
The Miss Universe pageant in Thailand became embroiled in controversy after an illegal gambling ad sparked police intervention and ignited a public feud between event organisers.