DailyPickz

During the Miss Grand Thailand 2026 Welcome Ceremony, the contestant representing Miss Grand Sisaket appeared in a provincial costume inspired by the Thai national flag, prominently displaying the words “Thailand ✅ Cambodia ❎.”

Sisaket is a northeastern province of Thailand that borders Cambodia, a region historically sensitive due to long-standing territorial tensions, particularly around the area near the Preah Vihear Temple.

Because Miss Grand International has long promoted the message “Stop the War and Violence,” the costume design quickly drew criticism online. Many viewers pointed out the perceived contradiction, saying that instead of reflecting the pageant’s advocacy for peace, the statement seemed to provoke division — with some remarking that it felt closer to “Start the War and Violence” rather than stopping it.