Sunday, August 16, 2009
Apasra Hongsakula was the first Thai and second Asian woman to win the prestigious Miss Universe title. She was the shortest at 5'4" and the only brunette among the five finalists at the Miami pageant. She spoke no English but captivated the judges nonetheless with her charm, poise and regal bearing. Apasra later married a first cousin of Queen Sirikit, and like the Royal Thai family, is still a much revered social figure in her country. This year, the semi-finalists were announced during pageant night, not one day before as done in previous pageants.
1st runner-up Virpi Meittinen FINLAND
2nd runner-up Sue Ann Downey USA
3rd runner-up Ingrid Norman SWEDEN
4th runner-up Anja Schuit HOLLAND
SEMI-FINALISTS
Pauline Verey AUSTRALIA
Maria Raquel Helena de Andrade BRAZIL
Carol Ann Tidey CANADA
Maria Victoria Ocampo Gomez COLOMBIA
Jeanette Christjansen DENMARK
Aspa Theologitou GREECE
Aliza Panfil Sedeh ISRAEL
Freida Holler Figallo PERU
Louise Vail Aurielo PHILIPPINES
Veronika Edelgarda Hilda Prigge S. AFRICA
