Tharina Botes’ journey to Miss Thailand World 2023

Tharina Botes has come a long way from being just a young and energetic Monnas learner to reaching stardom.

The former Monnas learner has been a professional model and beauty pageant contestant for over a decade but her journey to success was not always sunshine and roses.

Tharina was born on November 17, 1997, and was always involved in pageantry from a young age, having won Miss Teen Roodepoort at the tender age of 16 in 2013.

“It wasn’t easy. I had to face a lot of adversity along the way. There were many challenges and obstacles but I used them as opportunities to learn and grow. I found out what my weaknesses were and turned them into my strengths to make sure I was best prepared,” said Tharina, referring to being crowned Miss Thailand World 2023 recently.

• Also read: ‘She will touch many lives’ – Monnas about former learner crowned Miss Thailand World

Another major obstacle she had to face was having to move to Thailand in 2019 and having to learn and adapt to the culture and lifestyle of Thailand. The language barrier was just one of the many challenges she can remember, not to mention she froze during the speaking round at Miss Universe Thailand. At that time, she was lost and became fearful of what the audience may have thought of her. However, she prevailed and used that moment as a source of strength ever since.

“Moving to Thailand four years ago was difficult. I couldn’t speak the Thai language at all despite having Thai roots through my mother. A lot of people complained and said I was not ‘Miss Thailand material’ as I couldn’t speak Thai. It was really hard learning a new language but I put in all the hard work and effort. Today, I can speak the language and communicate with Thai people. I also had to work hard on my public speaking skills. Two years ago when I competed at Miss Universe Thailand, I froze on stage during the question and answer round. I had post-traumatic stress disorder after that thinking it would happen again. I was scared of failure but I did a lot of public speaking classes and came back stronger. This lifted my confidence and was I able to articulate my words with confidence when speaking on stage,” Tharina added.

According to Tharina, the pageantry business is not for the faint of heart and does come with pressure.

“Contestants are often judged by their appearance, personality and actions in public. I had to overcome many challenges. It used to be hard for me and I too was a victim of bullying at one stage in my life. I remember how I used to cry a lot years ago but I must thank all the naysayers because they have made me stronger today. I’ve also learnt to control my emotions and not to be too hard on myself.”

Going forward, Tharina said she will do everything in her power to make an impact in society.

“I’ve always been a person who likes to help others. Pageantry has now given me a platform where I can reach out to people and make an impact in their lives. It’s also taught me to be very confident in who I am and own who I am,” she added.

Over the years, she has taken part in various initiatives and aims to eradicate poverty.

“I have worked with a charity called Scholars of Sustenance in the last three years and we hand out food to the less fortunate. I am working on another project called Good Guardians where I collaborate with Scholars of Sustenance to help the less privileged by uplifting them by donating food and raising funds for school scholarships. Education is the most powerful tool in the world and many kids don’t have the money or opportunities to go to school. I want to make a positive impact by helping those children receive an education to equip them with the skills and knowledge for their future.

“It’s 2023 and people are still struggling with basic needs. Some go to bed hungry and it saddens me that people live in poverty. That is why I try to help out as much as I can at food banks and orphanages.”

Tharina is extremely grateful for all the success she achieved over the years and her accolades and achievements speak for themselves. However, she said she did not do it alone.

“I would like to thank the people of Phuket. Since I moved to Thailand, I didn’t know anyone but they took me as their own daughter and helped shape me into the woman I am today. No matter how many times I failed they were with me every step of the way and believed in me. They taught me everything and I’m so thankful for them and to all my family, friends and fans,” she said.

Tharina’s story is considered inspirational and she has the following message to youngsters.

“Never stop chasing what is in your heart and never give up. There will be times when you fail but just keep on going. One day you will achieve your goal”.

Her titles include:

• Miss Universe Thailand 2021 – 1st runner-up
• Miss Grand Phuket 2019
• Miss South Africa 2018 – Top 12 finalist
• Representing South Africa at Miss International 2016