Miss Universe Laos 2023 is Phaimany Lathsabanthao
Phaimany Lathsabanthao bested 14 other competitors to be crowned Miss Universe Laos 2023 on Sunday, July 23 at the National Convention Hall in Vientiane.
The 28-year-old beauty representing Phongsaly is a business administration graduate of the National University of Laos. She will now prepare to represent her country at Miss Universe 2023 to be held in El Salvador.
Phiranya Thipphomvong of Houaphanh and Phavina Mounvongsa of Bolikhamxai were the first and second runners-up, respectively.
Deth Xaivanhsee of Oudomxay, Budseng Vongchanthum of Vientiane, and Vaniphone Phoumixay of Vientiane Prefecture rounded out the Top 6 finalists.
No stranger to pageantry, the new Miss Universe Laos was first runner-up during last year's competition. She also participated in the Miss Laos pageant twice where she was awarded Miss Photogenic in 2018 and placed in the Top 15 in 2021.
Phaimany succeeds Payengxa Lor, the first Hmong woman to win the national title and who achieved her country's highest placement (Top 16) at Miss Universe 2022 in New Orleans last January.
Meet the new Miss Universe Laos:
Photos: Miss Universe Laos, Phaimany Lathsabanthao / Instagram