Meet Tharina Botes – the South African crowned Miss Universe Thailand
South African-born model Tharina Botes, 29, has won Miss Universe Thailand 2026, completing a 10-year pageant dream.
South African-born model and businesswoman Tharina Botes was spectacularly crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 on Sunday, 23 August, at the MGI Hall in Bangkok.
The 29-year-old Roodepoort native completed a remarkable 10-year journey, beating 76 other candidates to claim the diamond crown, cash prize, and a spot representing Thailand on the global stage.
Born in Randburg and raised in Roodepoort by her South African father and Thai mother, Botes attended Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp.
The beauty started modelling at 16, later studying economics through UNISA. She is fluent in English, Afrikaans, and Thai, enjoying traditional dance and freediving.
Tharina Botes: From Krugersdorp to Bangkok
Botes first made waves as a Top 12 finalist in Miss South Africa 2018. Moving abroad in 2019, she built an impressive Thai CV, winning Miss Thailand World 2023 and finishing first runner-up at Miss Universe Thailand 2021.
This season brought a “plot twist.” According to the Krugersdorp News, Botes initially represented Ubon Ratchathani before being crowned Miss Universe Bangkok in June.
She triumphed nationally after battling a swollen, bleeding foot during gruelling preparation. Hearing a song by South African star Tyla was her ultimate “sign”.
Tharina Botes: Rejection is just redirection
During the final question-and-answer round, Botes clinched the title when asked which Miss Universe inspired her most.
In a heartfelt response, she paid glowing tribute to Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines.
“Even though she did not place at Miss World, she showed us that rejection is just redirection,” Botes said. “She’s my inspiration.”
Botes later celebrated her win on Instagram with Gray’s famous quote: “To everyone with a dream, know that your dreams are valid, and on your path, you are never denied and only redirected.”
Botes will now undergo an intensive training programme before representing Thailand at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico this November, where she will confidently compete against roughly 130 global delegates.