The Miss Universe pageant will proceed as scheduled this November in Thailand, but organizers confirmed that adjustments will be made in light of the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.
On his Facebook page on Saturday, October 25, Miss Universe Organization Executive Director Nawat Itsaragrisil issued a statement to clarify the status of the pageant.
"Miss Grand International Public Company Limited, as the organizer of The 74th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to be held from 2–21 November in Thailand, would like to inform that the event will proceed as originally planned," the statement read.
Nawat noted that planning and logistics have already been in motion for weeks. "This is because preparations and operations have been underway for some time, and some contestants and members of the international teams have already arrived in Thailand," he pointed out.
However, organizers assured that program changes will be implemented to observe guidelines from authorities during the mourning period.
"The organizing committee will adjust the format and related activities as appropriate to the circumstances and will strictly adhere to the guidelines and recommendations from the government," the statement concluded.
According to a report from the Bangkok Post, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that the Cabinet has approved a national mourning period beginning Saturday, October 25, following the passing of the Queen Mother.
Entertainment establishments and similar service venues have been asked to either suspend operations or scale back entertainment activities for a 30-day duration.
The Miss Universe 2025 coronation night is set to take place on November 21, 2025, at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand. Denmark’s Victoria Theilvig will pass on the crown to her successor during the event.
Ahtisa Manalo is set to compete in the pageant, representing the Philippines.
During her send-off event on Thursday, October 23, Ahtisa vowed to do her best during the pageant. "This send-off, this is just the beginning of our competition. Mayroon pa tayong ilalaban na fifth crown, so I really hope that you still support me all throughout my Miss Universe journey when I get to Thailand. And ilalaban ko kayo lahat," she stated.
"I will do my best. I will make sure that the Ahtisa of the Miss Universe stage is the best Ahtisa ever," she added.