The reigning Miss World, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, arrived at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium hours before gates opened for the 2025 SEA Games Opening Ceremony. She was already backstage to get her hair set, makeup perfected, with her heart racing with anticipation. Hours later she would carry the name of Thailand into the Opening Ceremony of the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, leading the nation’s athletes in front of tens of thousands inside the stadium and millions watching across the region and the world through TrueVisions NOW.

“It knew it was something I would experience only once in my life,” Opal shared. “A moment too big to fully understand until you are standing there, hearing the crowd, feeling the energy.”

Opal was wearing an extraordinary Thai royal couture ensemble valued at over 30 million Thai Baht, a masterpiece created by Dr. Sorrasak Sukmuang of the prestigious Wongpaiboon Atelier. The design, one of the most exquisite modern interpretations of royal Thai aesthetics, highlighted the delicacy, strength and cultural heritage of the Thai people.

Every detail honored Thai craftsmanship: Benjarong-inspired gold embroidery, handwoven silk from the legendary Chul Thai silk group, blessed by members of the Royal Household, a dramatic 10-meter trailing shawl (pakama), woven with shimmering gold-thread lotus motifs meant to symbolize purity, perseverance, and victory, and finishing touches of fire-inspired crystal appliqués, representing Thailand’s theme for the Games, “Ignite the Flame.”

Opal stood regally as thousands began filling the stadium. Soon, Their Majesties King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, herself an athlete in the SEA Games sailing competition, would arrive to preside over the ceremony. Security was intense, and every movement backstage required precision.

Among the early arrivals braving the long walk to the stadium was Karolina Bielawska, the 70th Miss World, who traveled to Thailand specifically to support Opal and report on the event. With road access restricted for security reasons, Karolina documented her behind-the-scenes journey in a vlog for the Miss World social media. Playgul, charismatic, and warmly greeted by fans who recognized her along the way. She stopped for hugs, selfies, and kind words from pageant lovers who were delighted to see a former Miss World in attendance, supporting their own Miss World.

As the clock approached 19:00, stadium hosts energized the crowd, who eagerly awaited the Royal Family’s helicopter arrival. A slight delay only heightened the atmosphere, as 11 nations of Southeast Asia prepared to come together in a dazzling show of athletic unity.

Once Their Majesties took their seats, the ceremony opened with a solemn minute of silence honoring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Then the sky erupted: drones illuminated Bangkok’s night with breathtaking imagery, celebrating themes of water, unity, and resilience.

What followed was a world-class spectacle combining culture, sports, and cutting-edge technology:

Highlights of the Program

The audience roared with each musical and cultural act, waving flags, singing, and lighting up the stadium with thousands of cellphone screens.

After nearly an hour of performances that Karolina later described as “so spectacular I didn’t feel time pass at all,” the grand Parade of Athletes began. Brunei opened the procession, followed by each nation alphabetically, until finally, the stadium lights shifted gold and red.

“Thailand!”

Opal Suchata was introduced not only as the delegation leader but also as the first Miss World in Thai history, and the stadium erupted. Thousands stood, many shouting:

“Opal! Miss World! Opal! Miss World!”

Graceful, Opal walked with perfect poise, leading Thailand’s athletes, including Queen Suthida, proudly competing in the keelboat SSL47 sailing event. Cameras worldwide captured Opal’s radiant smile, her couture ensemble shimmering under stadium lights as she carried the honor of her nation with elegance befitting her title.

The parade concluded with the athletes’ and judges’ oaths, followed by the arrival of the SEA Games mascots and the emotional torch relay. Some of Thailand’s most celebrated athletes participated in the final ignition of the Games Cauldron, marking the official start of the 2025 SEA Games.

Opal watched the flame rise with much pride. “To witness this moment in my kingdom is something I will carry with me forever,” she later said.

The moment the ceremony ended, Karolina Bielawska rushed onto the field to embrace Opal, a special reunion between Miss World sisters.

Karolina interviewed Opal, organizers, and cultural performers for her vlog, capturing authentic reactions from behind the scenes.

“I am overwhelmed,” Karolina said. “This ceremony had heart, soul, technology, heritage, everything. Seeing Opal shine made me emotional. I’m grateful I could be here.”

Still processing the magnitude of the moment, Opal reflected on her first six months as Miss World:

“To mark the halfway point of my reign like this is indescribable. I can’t wait to see what comes next. This journey has been extraordinary.”

Let the Games begin, as Opal’s reigns continue!