Thailand Sponsors Miss Universe New Zealand 2014

Bangkok (Thailand) – September 26, 2014 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has recently presented Thailand as one of the Platinum Sponsors for the Miss Universe New Zealand 2014 beauty contest that saw Ms. Rachel Millns being crowned on 18 September, 2014, at the Sky City Theatre in Auckland, New Zealand.

Ms. Millns was among the top 25 finalists for the Miss Universe New Zealand 2014 that were hosted to a week-long retreat programme in Thailand by TAT during 1-7 August, 2014. The 25 young beauty queens were given a taste of Thai culture and encouraged to see the sights of majestic Bangkok before enjoying the ever-exciting city of Pattaya.

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of TAT said, “Our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Rachel Millns who was crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2014 in a grand ceremony witnessed by His Excellency Noppadon Theppitak, Thai Ambassador to New Zealand, Ms. Rujiras Chatchalermkit, Director of TAT Sydney Office, and Ms. Chalita Yaemwannang, Miss Universe Thailand 2013.

“I am pleased to share that Ms. Millns was among the 25 charming finalists for the Miss Universe New Zealand 2014 who enjoyed some of the activities that guests to Thailand can try every day. From learning to cook fine Thai food, to enjoying the delights and bustle of Bangkok and enjoying the beach, there is much to experience in the kingdom, and we hope these ladies had as much fun as the millions of tourists who visit every year.”
MUNZ2014-at-Father-Ray-Foundation MUNZ-2014-at-Temple-of-the-Emerald-Buddha

The Miss Universe New Zealand 2014 finalists toured Bangkok’s most visited tourist attractions, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. They also saw Thailand’s most celebrated martial art show, the Muay Thai Live – The Legend Lives, Bangkok’s hottest destination, Asiatique the Riverfront, and enjoyed arts and crafts at Sampran Riverside in Nakhon Pathom. At the Issaya Cooking Studio in Central Embassy, they learned the basics of Thai cooking before taking in sunset views of the city from Sofitel So.

MUNZ-2014-at-Issaya-Cooking-StudioThe finalists then visited Pattaya for two nights, and marvelled at the amazing crafts and architectural works of the Sanctuary of Truth, an attraction which recreates the best of Buddhist and Hindu arts. They also delighted at the children at the Father Ray Foundation Orphanage Home by stopping by to play games.

Mr. Thawatchai said, “We hope that the finalists for the beauty pageant left the kingdom impressed with the hospitality of their hosts and the warm welcome they had received in the Land of Smiles. To that extent, the pictures of them enjoying their time in Thailand and their word of mouth about how wonderful Thailand is will surely help to attract the interest of travellers from New Zealand who also want to experience the amazing Thai culture and attractions.”

Contact Information
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Website: www.tatnews.org