"Another South African": Tharina Botes From Roodepoort Crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026
- Tharina Botes, a Thai-South African woman born in Roodepoort, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 on 23 August 2026
- The 29-year-old Economics graduate won after a standout performance in the final question-and-answer round in Bangkok
- Botes will now represent Thailand at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November 2026
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Source: Facebook
A South African-born woman made history this weekend when she took the Miss Universe Thailand 2026 crown. Tharina Botes, originally from Roodepoort, was officially crowned on Sunday, 23 August 2026, representing Bangkok at the national pageant.
The 29-year-old delivered a standout performance in the final question-and-answer round, clinching the title ahead of Suttida Iadpoo from Phuket, who finished as first runner-up, and Helena Sarakan from Udon Thani, who placed second runner-up.
A 13-year journey to the crown
For Botes, this moment was the culmination of more than a decade of dedication to pageantry. She first gained national attention when she placed in the top 12 at Miss South Africa 2018, before building a remarkable career on the international stage. She reached the top 10 at Miss Grand Thailand 2019, finished as first runner-up at Miss Universe Thailand 2021, and won Miss Thailand World 2023.
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Beyond pageantry, Botes is an Economics graduate from the University of South Africa and a successful entrepreneur. She is also the founder of Good Kindness, a charity initiative close to her heart.
With her win, she will now carry the Miss Universe Thailand title to Puerto Rico in November 2026, where the 75th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant will be held.
South Africans at home were quick to celebrate the news online.
Mzansi celebrates Tharina's win
South Africans in the comments section on the Facebook post could not contain their pride:
@Amanda Frampton wrote:
"South Africa 🇿🇦 for beautiful women."
@Sandra Cristina Lamprecht said:
"Beautiful, half Thai, half South African 🇹🇭🇿🇦 Congratulations 🎉 👏🏼 Her parents made a really beautiful human..."
@Lindiwe Ngonyama added:
"Very beautiful ❤️😍 our own DNA."
@Nadine Kruger Neethling reacted:
"Wow! What a beauty! Congratulations!! 🎉"
@Phyllis Hatting shared:
"Beautiful."
@Enid Shanker said:
"South African women are beautiful."
See the full clip below:
More on South African talent making waves
- Briefly News recently reported on Leon Schuster and Alfred Ntombela receiving lifetime achievement awards and a cash prize for their decades of contribution to South African entertainment.
- A South African-born chef in France recently claimed a major culinary title after his unique African-inspired burger impressed judges in a highly competitive contest.
- A throwback video of a 7-year-old Tshwane sprinter winning double gold at a national athletics championship has resurfaced and left Mzansi praising the young star.
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Source: Briefly News
