Markus Castro
Tharina Botes made headlines after being crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026, earning the opportunity to represent Thailand at the upcoming Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico. Representing Bangkok, the Thai-South African beauty queen brings years of pageant experience, modeling work, entrepreneurship, and advocacy to the national title.
Here are some interesting facts about Tharina Botes and her journey to the Miss Universe Thailand 2026 crown.
1. She Is Thai-South African
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Tharina Botes has a multicultural background. She was born and raised in South Africa to a Thai mother and a South African father. Her upbringing across two cultures has shaped her perspective on diversity, adaptability, and embracing differences.
At age 22, she moved to Thailand independently to begin a new chapter of her life, a move that became an important part of her personal growth.
2. She Was Born on November 17, 1996
Botes was born on November 17, 1996. She is 29 years old as she begins her reign as Miss Universe Thailand 2026.
3. She Has a Degree in Marketing
Botes studied at the University of South Africa and holds a degree in marketing. Her education has complemented her work in modeling, brand representation, entrepreneurship, and communications.
4. She Has Been Competing in Pageants for More Than a Decade
Her pageant journey began in South Africa. Among her early titles were Miss Teen Gauteng 2014, Miss South Africa Schools 2014, and Miss Rand Show 2015.
Her international pageant experience later included Miss International South Africa 2016, Miss South Africa 2018, Miss Grand Thailand 2019, Miss Universe Thailand 2021, Miss Thailand World 2023, and Miss World 2023.
5. She Represented South Africa at Miss International 2016
In 2016, Botes represented South Africa at Miss International in Tokyo, Japan. Although she did not place, the experience marked one of her first major international pageant appearances.
6. She Was a Miss South Africa 2018 Finalist
Botes returned to the South African pageant scene in 2018 and competed in Miss South Africa. She advanced to the Top 12, adding another significant achievement to her growing pageant résumé.
7. She Won Miss Grand Phuket 2019
After moving toward the Thai pageant circuit, Botes won Miss Grand Phuket 2019. She subsequently represented Phuket at Miss Grand Thailand 2019, where she reached the Top 10.
8. She Was First Runner-Up at Miss Universe Thailand 2021
Before winning the 2026 crown, Botes came very close to becoming Thailand’s representative at Miss Universe in 2021. Representing Phuket, she finished as first runner-up, with Anchilee Scott-Kemmis taking the title.
That experience made her eventual 2026 victory particularly significant, marking a comeback after several years of continued growth and international competition.
9. She Won Miss Thailand World 2023
Botes captured another major national title in 2023 when she was crowned Miss Thailand World 2023. She subsequently represented Thailand at Miss World 2023 in India.
Although she did not place at Miss World, the competition gave her another opportunity to represent Thailand on an international stage.
10. She Has a Strong Record of International Competition
Botes’ pageant résumé includes appearances representing both South Africa and Thailand. She competed at Miss International 2016, Miss Model of the World 2018, Miss Grand Thailand 2019, Miss Universe Thailand 2021, and Miss World 2023.
In 2026, she also competed in the inaugural Miss Grand International All Stars, where she reached the Top 10.
11. She Became Miss Universe Bangkok 2026 Before Winning the National Crown
Botes represented Bangkok in the Miss Universe Thailand 2026 competition. She was crowned Miss Universe Bangkok 2026 on June 24, 2026, before advancing to the national competition.
Her Bangkok title placed her among the leading contenders for the national crown.
12. She Beat 76 Other Contestants
The Miss Universe Thailand 2026 competition featured 77 candidates, including Botes. Representing Bangkok, she ultimately emerged as the winner at the August 23 coronation at MGI Hall in Bangkok.
Suttida Iadpoo of Phuket finished as first runner-up, while Helena Sarakan of Udon Thani was named second runner-up.
13. Her National Costume Celebrated Thai Cuisine
Botes was among the contestants recognized in the Best National Costume category. Her costume, titled “THAI TASTE: Siamese Cuisine,” celebrated Thailand’s culinary heritage.
The national costume competition highlighted the country’s cultural traditions through elaborate fashion and storytelling.
14. She Is Passionate About Sports and Fitness
Outside pageantry, Botes has a strong interest in sports and fitness. She was previously a tennis scholarship recipient and has developed an interest in freediving and other physical activities. She has also participated in a Spartan race.
She views physical strength and mental resilience as important elements of personal development.
15. She Enjoys Creative Activities
Botes’ interests extend beyond sports. She enjoys painting and traditional Thai dancing, demonstrating a combination of artistic and athletic interests.
Her artistic side has also been showcased through her involvement in charity-related activities.
16. She Is an Entrepreneur
Botes is not only a model and beauty queen. She is also an entrepreneur. She owns Volare, an Italian restaurant in Bangkok inspired by the Amalfi Coast.
She also founded The Ultimate Girl Guide, an online platform focused on helping women develop confidence, communication skills, personal branding, and their personal potential.
17. She Advocates for Women’s Empowerment
Women’s empowerment is an important part of Botes’ personal advocacy. Through The Ultimate Girl Guide and her public platform, she promotes confidence, leadership, communication, and self-development among women.
Her approach to pageantry goes beyond physical beauty, emphasizing purpose, leadership, and the ability to create positive change.
18. She Has Supported Food Rescue Initiatives
For more than six years, Botes has served as an ambassador for Scholars of Sustenance Thailand, supporting food-rescue initiatives that reduce food waste while providing food to vulnerable communities.
Her advocacy has also been featured through her international pageant activities, where she has highlighted food security and efforts to address hunger.
19. She Has a Multilingual Background
Botes speaks Thai, English, and Afrikaans, reflecting her Thai-South African upbringing and international experience.
Her ability to communicate across cultures has also been an asset throughout her pageant career.
20. Catriona Gray Is One of Her Biggest Pageant Inspirations
During the Miss Universe Thailand 2026 final question-and-answer round, Botes named Catriona Gray, the Philippines’ Miss Universe 2018, as the Miss Universe who has inspired her the most.
She praised Gray’s stage presence, communication skills, confidence, and memorable performance in Thailand. The answer was particularly notable among Filipino pageant fans because Gray won her Miss Universe crown in Bangkok in 2018.
21. She Will Represent Thailand at Miss Universe 2026
With her Miss Universe Thailand 2026 victory, Botes will represent Thailand at the 75th Miss Universe competition, scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico in November 2026.
Her extensive pageant experience gives her a strong foundation as she prepares for another international competition.
Tharina Botes’ Pageant Journey at a Glance
- Miss Teen Gauteng 2014 – Winner
- Miss South Africa Schools 2014 – Winner
- Miss Rand Show 2015 – Winner
- Miss International South Africa 2016 – Represented South Africa
- Miss South Africa 2018 – Top 12
- Miss Model of the World 2018 – Top 36
- Miss Grand Phuket 2019 – Winner
- Miss Grand Thailand 2019 – Top 10
- Miss Universe Thailand 2021 – First runner-up
- Miss Thailand World 2023 – Winner
- Miss World 2023 – Represented Thailand
- Miss Grand International All Stars 2026 – Top 10
- Miss Universe Bangkok 2026 – Winner
- Miss Universe Thailand 2026 – Winner
Final Thoughts
Tharina Botes’ Miss Universe Thailand 2026 victory represents the culmination of a long and unconventional pageant journey. From competing in South Africa as a teenager to becoming Miss Thailand World, serving communities through advocacy, building businesses, and repeatedly representing Thailand internationally, she has accumulated substantial experience on and off the pageant stage.
Her Thai-South African heritage, entrepreneurial background, advocacy work, athletic interests, and years of pageant experience make her a distinctive representative for Thailand. As she prepares for Miss Universe 2026, Botes will have another opportunity to turn years of experience into an international title.
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