Thailand to Host Miss Universe 2005

"We felt during our first trip to Bangkok, last June, that we had found our home for the next Miss Universe competition," said Shugart. "The officials we met with in Thailand showed great enthusiasm at the prospect of hosting the three week event. After the tragic tsunami of December 26th, all discussions were put on hold out of respect for the country and the Thai people. In recent weeks the Thai Government and the other entities involved returned to us, certain of their desire to host the Pageant, its contestants and their families and friends. We are honored and look forward to the privilege of helping Thailand as it begins to rebuild its tourism industry. We have told Minister Kunplome that he has our full support."

"We send our sincerest thanks to The Miss Universe Organization for all the support and enthusiasm they have shown since this process began," said Thailand's Minister of Sport and Tourism, Mr. Sontaya Kunplome. "We know that bringing the Pageant to Thailand is one of the many steps in re-building our economy and boosting our tourism. There is no better time, for our people and our economy, for us to bring this worldwide event to our country."

Of Thailand's 62 million residents, almost 10 million reside in Bangkok, known in Thai as the "City of Angels." The 223 year old city, which is rapidly becoming one of the premiere fashion capitals of the world, is a dazzling mix of towering sky scrapers, shimmering golden temples (including the dazzling and not to be missed "Grand Palace") and unique shopping districts. The city is also home to many ancient canals, which once afforded Bangkok the title "Venice of the East." Outside the city's 200-plus mile perimeter, the landscape is diverse. From the lush green mountainous forests of Northern Thailand to the stunning tropical white-sand beaches along the Andaman Sea (home to some of the world's best snorkeling and scuba diving), the country offers a variety of scenic tours and relaxing destinations. During the three- week pageant period, family, friends and international media from all over the world will visit Bangkok while hundreds of millions of viewers will tune-in for the live broadcast.

The Pageant will be hosted by Matching Studio Public Company Limited, Bangkok Broadcasting & TV Company Limited and BBTV Productions Company Limited, three of the most prominent companies in Thailand. We wish to thank Mr. Somchai Cheewasutthanon of Matching Studio and Madame Thasani Siriyeum of Showcase Thailand 2005 for their tireless efforts in helping bring the Pageant to Bangkok.

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) competitions, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC partnership. Utilizing its global grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS Awareness and women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as the Global Health Council, Gods Love We Deliver and the United Nations Population Fund's Face- to-Face Campaign, Miss Universe is armed to impact women today.