Miss Universe Thailand 2026 Tharina Botes calls Catriona Gray her inspiration

At the grand coronation night of Miss Universe Thailand 2026 held on August 23, 2026, Miss Tharina Botes (representing Bangkok) called Miss Universe 2018 and Cornerstone artist, Catriona Gray, her inspiration when answering the question: “Which Miss Universe has inspired you the most and why?”

Tharina opened with “My favorite Miss Universe would definitely have to be Catriona Gray from the Philippines.”

“For me, she is the ultimate package. She won here in Thailand with her slo-mo lava walk, the way she turns. And the way she speaks, she’s so articulate and passionate. She’s my inspiration and I hope to be like her. And she really told me that when we work hard and with determination and believe in ourselves, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. And even though she didn’t place in Miss World, she showed us that rejection is just redirection. And she came back to win Miss Universe."

Tharina humorously added “And she followed me on Instagram the other day, I’m so happy.”

Tharina closed with “Mahal kita Catriona Gray and the Philippines. Love you. Kop Kun Ka.”

In Tharina’s Instagram post published earlier today, Catriona congratulated her in the comments section. “Aw congratulations @tharina_botes !! 😍 Im so flattered by your answer! Never denied and only redirected indeed! All the best on your journey kha!,” she commented. 

As the newly crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026, Tharina Botes will represent Thailand at the upcoming Miss Universe competition.