Thailand will host 2018 Miss Universe pageant

Thailand will host the Miss Universe Contest of 2018

(Associated Press) – July 31, 2018 – 20:00

BANGKOK – Thailand will host the 2018 Miss Universe beauty contest, organizers said on Tuesday.

The Miss Universe Organization said in a statement that it had granted "a sole proprietorship" to a Thai investment firm.

Thailand hosted the competition twice before, the last time in 2005, when it was won by Miss Universe Canada, Natalie Glebova. She then settled in Thailand

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha hailed the choice of Thailand by the organizers.

"It's a good thing that their officials are seeing the potential of Thailand," said Mr. Prayuth. "If we can organize it and there are no problems with various agreements, then the government is happy to support it."

Prayuth said that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports would be responsible for overseeing the event and organizing the details.

The organizers said that Miss Univers 2018 will be a three-hour event broadcast live on December 16th.