Miss Universe employees face accusations of recording advertisements for an internet gambling website in Thailand. Police in Thailand started investigating claims that Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) advertised an illegal internet casino. Activities happened during 74th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok. This situation created problems and involved Miss Philippines, according to Khaosod English reports.

Nawat Itsaragrisil submitted the official complaint to the authorities. He works as Chief Executive Officer at Miss Grand International (MGI). His position includes Chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee. MUO employees made contestants record videos for a gambling website at their hotel. This happened where contestants stayed during the event.

Thai Police Launch Investigation Into Miss Universe Sponsorship Issue

Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom from the Metropolitan Police Bureau started an official investigation on 3 November. Wat Phraya Krai Police Station officers called people for interviews. A photo appeared showing Miss Philippines with a pillow. The pillow displayed a sponsor logo connected to a Philippine gambling website. The Host Committee confirmed this sponsor lacked official approval status.

Thai regulations forbid internet gambling and private betting completely. Authorities check if the website functions as an illegal gambling service. Police need verification before filing criminal charges. MGI released an announcement rejecting any participation in these activities. Their statement said the Miss Universe Organisation conducted everything alone. Nawat met investigators as MUO executive director. He confirmed his company had zero participation.

JKN Legacy Inc. owns the Miss Universe Organisation through a partnership structure. Thailand’s JKN Global Group and Legacy Holding Group USA created this joint venture. Major management changes occurred in 2024. Raúl Rocha Cantú became president while Mario Búcaro took the chief executive officer role. Miss Universe 2025 competition continues in Bangkok from 2-21 November. The event proceeds normally despite ongoing police investigations.