It took 59 years, but Thailand triumphed today at the Miss International beauty pageant.
Sireethorn “Bint” Leearamwat was crowned Miss International on Tuesday afternoon in Tokyo at the 59th version of the annual pageant. Bint makes history as the first ever Thai woman to hold the title.
The first runner-up was Andrea Toscano (Mexico), followed by Evelyn Namatovu Karonde (Uganda), Alejandra Vengoechea (Colombia) and Harriotte Lane (United Kingdom).
The competition this year had contestants from more than 80 countries.
Miss Philippines Patch Magtanong and Miss Indonesia Jolene Marie Cholock Rotinsulu reached the final eight; Hong Kong’s Kaye Cheung made it to the final 15.
The last Southeast Asian winner came in 2017 from Indonesia when Kevin Lilliana won. In 2016, it was Kylie Verzosa from Philippines.
Miss International is organized by Japan’s International Cultural Association. It was first held in 1960.
Related:
IN PHOTOS: A look at Kylie Verzosa’s Miss International journey
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