Home again: Warm welcome for 'Namtan' (Updated)

Miss Thailand, Chalita "Namtan" Suansane, received a warm welcome home from fans and the media after placing in the top six in the Miss Universe pageant in Manila.

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Tuesday evening update

Home again: Warm welcome for Namtan

Miss Thailand, Chalita "Namtan" Suansane, received a warm welcome home from fans and the media after placing in the top six in the Miss Universe pageant in Manila.

Her Thai Airways flight touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 15:25. She quickly held a press conference and you can see what she said below the photo:

"I thank all Thai people who have supported me and voted for me. I never thought so many people would support me and love me," Miss Chalita said in an interview at the airport.

The great support gave to a common girl the chance to represent Thailand and to say the name of the home country to the world, and she never felt tired throughout the pageant, she said.

"There was not a day without joy. I was never tired. I did my best every day. No matter what the outcome would be, I already did my best."

The most exciting moment during the pageant was when she was the last one to reach the 13 finalist round because many potential contestants were still there, Miss Chalita recalled.

She said that she would perform Thai classical dance at the Erawan shrine in Bangkok as she had pledged to do so if she reached that far in the pageant.

Tuesday morning story

'Namtan' wins Miss Universe plaudits

Post Reporters

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed his appreciation to Miss Thailand, Chalita "Namtan" Suansane, for making the final six before being eliminated in Monday's Miss Universe Pageant in the Philippines.

Gen Prayut congratulated Ms Chalita or Nong Namtan for doing well in the 65th pageant, an event won twice by Thai women, in 1965 and 1988.

"Even though Ms Chalita did not win the contest, I believe she wins the hearts of Thai people," Gen Prayut said. "I believe she was doing her best in the competition. She is a source of Thai pride."

He said he was delighted with Ms Chalita and gave her moral support.

The final round of the Miss Universe Pageant finished Monday morning and Ms Chalita, 21, a Samut Prakan native and university student, made her way to the final six before being eliminated.

The winner was Miss France. Miss Haiti was the first runner-up and Miss Colombia finished third.

A total of 85 candidates took part in the competition.

The prime minister thanked Ms Chalita for representing the country and helping to promote unique Thai culture to other candidates.

Gen Prayut said he felt proud when Miss Thailand spoke about King Bhumibol Adulyadej in the question round, and praised him.

Meanwhile, Defence Ministry spokesman Kongcheep Tantrawanich said Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, who also serves as defence minister, watched the contest and supported Ms Chalita to be crowned as Miss Universe.

Gen Prawit was disappointed that Ms Chalita, who was doing well, failed to make her way to the final round, he added.

Gen Prawit described Ms Chalita as "beautiful and perfect. She was doing so well in the question round."

He said he wanted to vote for Miss Thailand in the internet voting but he did know how.

'Namtan' thanks fans

Post Today reports that after the competition Nong Namtan thanked her many fans including the millions of Thais who voted for her online.

"Thank you to all my Thai fans who gave me moral support and who voted for me", she said. "I did the best I could. I did not do this for myself but as a representative of Thailand and I am satisfied with what I have done, although, naturally I am a little disappointed."

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