Thai beauty pageant faces probe after candidates test positive for COVID-19

A complaint has been filed against the organizers of a Thai pageant, after 22 people, including 13 of its candidates, were infected with COVID-19.

The pageant, Miss Grand Samut Sakhon was held from June 26 to 27 at the Mirin Theater in the Huai Khwang district of Bangkok.

A video of the event on the pageant’s Facebook page showed contestants and hosts without face masks, though some guests wore face shields on stage. Attendees also did not appear to practice physical distancing.

The pageant’s winner Pornchanok Srikaeo, and founder Nawat Itsaragrisil were among those who tested positive for the virus after the event.

According to a report by the Bangkok Post, the complaint against the organizers was filed with local police by the Huai Kwang district office.

Organizers reportedly secured permission for the pageant from the district office, but did not comply with the required safety protocols.

Organizers and participants are being investigated, and could face criminal charges, the Straits Times reported.

One candidate even reportedly left a comment on social media, saying that they were told to remove their masks and participate in activities without social distancing.

The unnamed candidate also said that organizers did not inform participants of positive cases among them, and that they would have been fined a large sum if they pulled out.

Thailand is currently experiencing a surge in infections, with stricter restrictions being put in place in Bangkok. As of July 12, the country counted 345,027 cases of COVID-19, with 2,791 deaths. – Rappler.com