[Miss Universe] Mexican Contestant Makes Stunning Comeback to Win the Crown

The final of the 74th Miss Universe took place in Bangkok, Thailand on the 21st, where 25-year-old Mexican beauty Fatima Bosch claimed the crown after defeating contestants from over 120 countries.

The host country Thailand's contestant took the runner-up spot, with the top five also including Venezuela, the Philippines, and Côte d'Ivoire.

This victory was dramatic for Bosch: earlier this month, she stormed off after being publicly humiliated by event organizers, which even prompted Mexican President Sheinbaum to intervene in support.

During a pre-contest event, Bosch refused to cooperate with publicity releases and was berated in public by Nawatt, the Thai media tycoon who owns hosting rights for this year. Nawatt even targeted her on livestream and called in security, threatening disqualification. Wearing an evening gown and high heels, Bosch left in protest.

Afterward, Bosch told reporters: “Your director is disrespectful; he called me stupid. The world needs to see this because we are empowered women.” Other contestants tried to stand up in support but were ordered to “sit down” by Nawatt.

Aside from controversies surrounding the organizers, two judges suddenly resigned a week before the finals. French musician Hafverchi accused the contest of “secret and illegal voting” that predetermined the finalists; former French football star Makelele also withdrew for personal reasons. Although officials denied the accusations, the event has been cast under a shadow.

This edition has seen several mishaps—in addition to Miss Jamaica being hospitalized after falling from the stage, Miss UK Latimer also suffered a bad fall during the fashion show segment.

According to Thai media reports, Prawina Singh represented Thailand in the Miss Universe competition. She has an inspiring life story, is fluent in multiple languages, and has accumulated years of pageant experience.

The 29-year-old, nicknamed Veena, was born on April 16, 1996, and is of Thai and Indian descent. She stands 178 cm tall and graduated from Thammasat University's Faculty of Liberal Arts in Thailand with a degree in Russian. She is proficient in English, Russian, and Thai.

Veena was born in Chiang Mai. After her father passed away, she moved with her aunt to Yala province in the south and lived with her aunt during primary school. Her mother later remarried and now lives in Canada.

Veena had a tough childhood, often being mocked for her mixed heritage.

In 2022, Veena married her fiancé Harncharan Singhtakwal. After the wedding, she took her husband’s surname.

This year marks the first time the Miss Universe Thailand pageant has allowed married women to compete, allowing Veena to take the stage. She represented Phuket in the competition and ultimately emerged victorious, winning the 2025 Miss Universe Thailand crown.