Has it been 30 years already? Porntip “Bui” Simon, one of only two Thai women to take home the Miss Universe pageant title, yesterday took to Facebook to reminisce on the anniversary of her 1988 triumph.
Most believe Bui Porntip captured the victory during the interview round of the competition, as she spoke about her country’s pride and the issue of underprivileged children.
Thirty years after Porntip became the second Miss Universe from Thailand (after Apasra Hongsakula won in 1965), the pageant queen shared an old photo of her with then-Bangkok governor.
“Feeling very nostalgic. This month marks my 30th year anniversary of being crowned Miss Universe and the moment my whole world changed forever,” she wrote in the Facebook post.
“I can still remember my homecoming to Thailand when I was welcomed by a crowd of over 50,000 people. And what a great honor it was, during my visit to Sanam Luang grounds in the historic center of Bangkok, to be greeted by Major General Chamlong Srimuang, one of Bangkok’s most profound Governors.”
READ: Thailand’s first Miss Universe of 1965 shocks world with recent pic
Porntip spent her early childhood in Thailand before her family migrated to Los Angeles. After representing Thailand and winning Miss Universe, Porntip went on to found Angel Wings, a children’s foundation and became a UN Goodwill Ambassador.
She later married Herbert Simon, an American real estate tycoon of Simon Property Group, and now lives in the US.
