South African-born model and businesswoman Tharina Botes has been crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026, completing a decade-long journey through the pageant world and earning the opportunity to represent Thailand at the global Miss Universe competition.

The 29-year-old, who was born in Randburg and raised in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, defeated 76 contestants at the national final held at MGI Hall in Bangkok on August 23, 2026.

Tharina Botes, who has a South African father and Thai mother, now adds the Miss Universe Thailand crown to a growing list of beauty titles while continuing to build a business portfolio spanning hospitality and philanthropy.

From Roodepoort to Thailand’s national crown

Tharina Botes began modelling at 16 and attended Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp, where she also studied fine arts and developed her interest in painting.

She later earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree through the University of South Africa and has built a life between Thailand’s Bangkok and Phuket.

Her multicultural upbringing has also given her fluency in English, Afrikaans and Thai, while her interests include traditional Thai dance and freediving.

Tharina Botes first gained national attention in South Africa after reaching the Top 12 of Miss South Africa 2018.

She subsequently moved abroad in 2019 and continued pursuing pageantry in Thailand, finishing as first runner-up at Miss Universe Thailand 2021 before winning Miss Thailand World 2023. Her other pageant titles include Miss Teen Gauteng 2014, Miss International South Africa 2016 and Miss Grand Phuket 2019. She also reached the Top 10 at Miss Grand International All Stars.

A decade-long pursuit pays off

Tharina Botes’ road to the 2026 title was not without setbacks.

According to Krugersdorp News, she initially represented Ubon Ratchathani during this year’s competition before being crowned Miss Universe Bangkok in June.

During preparations for the national final, Botes reportedly battled a swollen and bleeding foot while continuing with the demanding pageant schedule.

She later described hearing a song by South African singer Tyla as a personal sign during her journey to the crown.

In the final question-and-answer round, Botes was asked which Miss Universe had inspired her most. She selected Catriona Gray of the Philippines, who won Miss Universe in 2018.

Botes praised Gray’s resilience and cited her journey as an example of how setbacks can redirect a person toward a different path.

Following her victory, Botes celebrated on Instagram by sharing one of Gray’s best-known messages about pursuing dreams and viewing rejection as redirection.

From modelling to business and philanthropy

Beyond pageantry and modelling, Botes has developed interests in hospitality and social impact.

She owns Volare Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, a business focused on Italian cuisine, adding entrepreneurship to her growing public profile.

Botes also runs Good Guardians, a food-focused charity programme that provides healthy meals to underprivileged communities and scholarships for children.

Her creative interests extend to painting, which she developed while studying fine arts at Monument High School.

Botes’ Miss Universe Thailand victory therefore marks more than another pageant title. It represents the culmination of a decade of competition experience, a cross-continental personal journey and an expanding career that combines modelling, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and the arts. She will now represent Thailand at the 2026 Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico on November 24, where she will compete against delegates from around the world.