Chatnalin Chotjirawarachat of Thailand won the Miss Intercontinental 2023 crown during the pageant’s coronation night at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on 15 December (16 December Philippine Time).

The Philippines’ bet, Filipino-Canadian beauty Iona Gibbs, ended up in the Top 22.

The runner–ups include Cristina Villegas Murillo (Mexico), Ngoc Hang Le Nguyen (Vietnam), Sara Damnjanovic (Serbia), Mare Salas (Columbia), Daria Reshta (Russia) and Christiana sia Johnson (Sierra Leone).

Following the pageant, the Miss International organization hailed Chotjirawarachat.

“With her unparalleled charm, remarkable grace, and unwavering determination, she proved to be a shining star amongst a constellation of 65 incredible contestants,” the organization said.

“Nalin’s victory is a testament to her unwavering spirit, undeniable talent, and the incredible impact she is destined to make in the world. She truly deserves the title of Miss Intercontinental 2023, as she continues to inspire and uplift others with her beauty, both inside and out,” the post added.

With Chotjirawarachat’s triumph, Thailand clinched its second Miss Intercontinental crown, after Phataraporn Wang won it nine years ago.

 “We did it! The second crown has come to Thailand,” Chotjiwarachat exulted in her Instagram post on 16 December.

Meanwhile, although failing to bring home the coveted crown, the Philippines’ Gibbs was applauded by pageant fans and viewers for her national costume, which was made by Daniel Manila Createur, and her evening gown made by fashion designer Leo Almodal. Both outfits were inspired by Philippine and Egyptian cultures.

The beauty queen, who is also a singer-songwriter and model, won the Mutya ng Pilipinas in December 2022.

Earlier this year, Mutya ng Pilipinas reacquired the local franchise for the Miss Intercontinental pageant. It was previously owned by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated from 2014 to 2022.