Most Beautiful in Thailand: Model Mareeya Poonlertlarp is crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2017, Royal Paragon Hall
This past weekend--on Saturday night--a new Miss Universe Thailand was crowned: 25 year old half Thai/half Swedish Maria Poonlertlarb Ehren (also goes by Mareeya) bested 40 other contestants for the coveted beauty "Miss Universe Thailand" crown at the Royal Paragon Hall shopping center, the third largest in all of Thailand.
Maria Poonlertlarp Ehren Miss Universe Thailand 2017
The 1.84 M (6 feet) tall Maria is a model (naturally!) was born in Bangkok, moved to Hanoi Vietnam at age 2 and then returned to Bangkok when she was 7. She has a degree from Stockholm Business School and speaks several languages including Thai, Swedish, English and Mandarin.
Crowned Kisses: Miss Universe Thailand Maria Poonlertlarp (center) gets kisses from her First and Second Princesses--Miss Universe Thailand 2017, Royal Paragon Hall
The new "Miss Universe Thailand" won 1 million baht (about $30,000 US), a 2018 Honda Civic car, a diamond tiara, as well as a trophy. She also now has a chance to compete in the "Miss Universe 2017" beauty pageant which is rumored to occur in late November 2017 in Las Vegas Nevada.
Maria Poonlertlarp Miss Universe Thailand 2017
Photo courtesy of Missosology.org
Model Pretty: Maria Poonlertlarp, the newly crowned "Miss Universe Thailand 2017"
During Preliminaries, Maria won the "Boutique Lady" award from Bangkok Airways--she wore this gorgeous ivory satin gown with navy blue sash/bow accent
Parasol Beauty: Maria Poonlertlarp during the Swimsuit Competition at the "Miss Universe Thailand 2017" Finals
Photo courtesy of Missosology.org
Gown Fab: Maria (left) in her violet blue side draped evening gown--Miss Universe Thailand 2017 Finals, Royal Paragon Hall
Queens: The newly crowned "Miss Universe Thailand 2017" Maria (second from right) with last year's winner Chalita Suansane (in golden yellow gown) who was a finalist (Top Six) at last year's "Miss Universe 2016" beauty pageant
Congratulations Maria! Maria Poonlertlarp "Miss Universe Thailand 2017"
