Miss Grand Int´l 2020: Exclusive interview with Nawat Itsaragrisil, right before the final broadcast

He had the courage to hold a contest in the midst of the covid pandemic. Miss Grand International was the first Grand Slam contest held under such circumstances and is coming to its successful conclusion this Saturday, March 27th. See what Nawat Itsaragrisil, President of Miss Grand International, has to say about this challenging journey, in an exclusive interview with Global Beauties.

GB - When did you know that Miss Grand International could finally be held?

Nawat - In the first four months of 2020, we still had hope that the covid situation would be something temporary and that in October we could hold the contest in Venezuela, as planned. We soon realized that it would not be so and started to think about alternatives. The truth is that some Asian countries, including Thailand, were able to control the pandemic well, so we decided it would be here. Formal conversations with government representatives started taking place and finally, in the last week of December, we got the government permission to hold the contest. We then prepared the promotional material and finally notified our national directors and the press.

GB - What was your biggest challenge in this whole process?

Nawat - There were some challenges. The organization of the event, with all the necessary care, was complex in itself. We were concerned about travel permits and air travel, as some airports in different countries were closed and these candidates had to modify their routes. In the end, all the confirmed delegates arrived in Thailand. Some countries like Australia and New Zealand, however, could not be represented. Those were completely closed, something we understand. Then two candidates were diagnosed with covid after they made it to Bangkok: Kenya and Nigeria. They received the best treatment and recovered in time to compete. Finally, we thought about ways to entertain the candidates during the quarantine days, with daily challenges. We made sure to keep them busy and happy during those two weeks.

GB - What will be the winner's role in relation to the pandemic and the current moment the world has been facing?

Nawat - First of all, I want to say that the winner will be vaccinated so that she can feel safer living in a foreign nation (if the winner is not Thailand). We still do not know if she will be able to travel to many countries, but she will certainly have the responsibility to act informing people about precautions against the virus, especially for those living in the most affected countries. Like Valentina, we will make sure she has a busy agenda in Thailand.

GB - Will this year's final event bring new elements?

Nawat - Yes, a few of them. First, there will be a focus and special attention to the issue of covid. This is fundamental. The way the 63 candidates will present themselves will have a "twist", and we keep other surprises that will be discovered by the fans during the broadcast.

GB - Will we have another edition of the contest later this year?

Nawat - Yes. The current contest corresponds to the 2020 edition, delayed by the pandemic. We will have Miss Grand International 2021 in November or December.

GB - In Thailand?

Nawat - I still can't say with 100% certainty, but it is possible.

GB - What are you looking for in the new queen?

Nawat - As you already know, she must be someone who´s ready to work, with a positive mind, responsible and resilient. This year we have a strong group and many possibilities. So I must say it´s still an open game, it will depend on how they perform tomorrow. Bring your very best to the final show, ladies!

GB- Thank you, and congratulations on a job well done, Mr. Nawat.

Miss Grand International 2020 will be elected this Saturday, at 7 PM, Thailand time, live on Grand TV.

See exclusive photos from the preliminary competition at @officialglobalbeauties.