Nonthawan “Maeya” Thongleng, a 22-yearold model from Surat Thani was crowned this year’s Miss Thailand World on Saturday night. In a break with recent tradition, she was warmly welcomed by the press and Internet. Maeya is a model and award-winning luk thung singer who will represent Thailand on Dec. 14 at the international Miss World contest in London Maeya seems to have won Thailand’s heart with a clean profile and waifish measurements of 31-23-31 inches, 173 centimetres and 49 kilograms.
One of the most-discussed qualities of Maeya is her beautiful tan skin, which some hope marks a change in Thailand’s pageant culture, where fair skin and a Eurasian heritage have often proved an advantage. “I’m happy with her! Enough with the fair skin,” one twitter user wrote. “She has a unique look, and she can answer questions very well. We might get into the finals after all.” Others dreamed of a day we can quit our collective addiction to skin bleach.
“I’m glad this tan-skinned girl will get a chance to represent Thai beauty on the international stage” another twitter user commented “I hope this will help get rid of the white-skin craze among Thais,” Meanwhile, second and third places went to Venus Nantachai and Chatrika Sitthiprom, respectively.
