Miss World Suchata Chuangsri mourns children she met near Charminar before Gulzar Houz fire
Hyderabad: Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 17 people in the Gulzar Houz fire accident in Hyderabad on May 18. In an emotional message shared on social media, she recalled meeting three young girls who were among the victims.
Opal Suchata Chuangsri, who was crowned Miss World 2025 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad on May 31, 2025, said the city holds a special place in her heart. “Since I was crowned Miss World here, this city holds a special place in my heart. And when there is a loss, my heart aches for it,” she wrote. She recounted a visit to a pearl shop at Charminar, where she spent time with local children and shopkeepers.
“I had a wonderful time there trying out pearls and designing looks with everyone at the shop. Before I left, some girls asked me for a picture. One little girl wore a white dress because she wanted to look beautiful for my visit. Her mother told me she was very excited to meet me,” she said.
Opal Suchata Chuangsri described how the children’s mother invited her into their home behind the shop. “Their mother was cooking, and it smelled like a home full of love. We said goodbye with a promise to meet again,” she wrote.
Tragically, the three girls and 17 members of their family were among those who lost their lives in the fire. “I have no words to describe how my heart aches. They were cheering and praying for me with so much love and hope. Their story will stay with me forever,” she said. “May your souls rest in peace. May we meet again in our next life.”
Opal Suchata Chuangsri was crowned Miss World 2025 at the 72nd edition of the pageant, held in Hyderabad. She was crowned by Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic, Miss World 2024.
Opal Suchata Chuangsri emerged winner among 108 contestants. Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia was named first runner-up, Maja Klajda of Poland placed third, and Aurélie Joachim of Martinique took fourth place.
The event, themed “Beauty with a Purpose,” marked Miss World’s return to India and highlighted cultural exchange and social advocacy. The finale was co-hosted by Stephanie del Valle, Miss World 2016, and Indian presenter Sachiin Kumbhar, with performances by Bollywood actors Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter.
