Despite having been shortlisted to the last 20 hopefuls vying for the Miss Universe title, Miss Thailand once again missed out on the coveted crown.
It was 18-year-old Miss Puerto Rico, Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, who claimed the sash and $250,000 tiara. The newly-crowned beauty reportedly fainted during a press conference after the pageant. "She's fine... She got dizzy, " said pageant spokeswoman Lark-Marie Anton. "It's very hot up here. Her dress is tight... She passed out."
Miss Japan won first runner-up and also best costume, which featured a samurai sword.
Thailand has not won the Miss Universe crown since 1982. However, the kingdom will still receive its fair share of Miss Universe exposure as former title-winner from Canada Natalie Glebova heads to Thailand to live and continue her work in social issues and as a representative for a Thai beer company.
