Thai beauty crowned Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017

Contestant Nuttanan Naree - a beauty from Thailand - was crowned Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017.

On the evening of July 1, the final night of Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017 took place at Sao Mai Theater in Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province. The competition night was grand and colorful with performances by the contestants.

Nuttanan Naree becomes Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017

The final night was attended by Mr. Vuong Duy Bien - Deputy Minister of Culture - Sports and Tourism, Mr. Huynh Tan Viet - Secretary of Phu Yen Provincial Party Committee, Mr. Phan Dinh Phung - Vice Chairman of Phu Yen Provincial People's Committee, Mr. Tran Quang Minh - Head of the Organizing Committee of the contest. In addition, the contest night was also attended by representatives of the Embassies of Southeast Asian countries.

Speaking at the final night, Mr. Phan Dinh Phung emphasized: "This is one of the meaningful activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations - ASEAN (August 8, 1967 - August 8, 2017). The contest aims to honor the beauty of Southeast Asian women, while contributing to enhancing understanding, friendship and development cooperation among ASEAN countries. At the same time, this is an opportunity for us to exchange, introduce and promote the image of the country and people of Phu Yen in particular, and Vietnam in general, to friends in the region and the world."

During the competition night, the contestants showed off their beauty through diverse costumes, imbued with the colors of Southeast Asian culture, including performances of Ao Dai, traditional costumes, bikinis and evening gowns. Many of the traditional costumes and evening gowns were elaborately and meticulously designed, demonstrating the cultural exchange and connection between the ethnic groups in the ASEAN community.

Contestants in bikini performance

The competition night also featured famous Vietnamese music stars such as Dam Vinh Hung, Toc Tien, Trong Hieu, Janice Phuong, Filipino diva Kyla and Korean violinist Jmi Ko.

After the exciting performances, the judges selected the top 5 best contestants, including Nuttanan Naree (representative of Thailand), Benedicta Heda Mercy Charis (representative of Indonesia), Huynh Thi Yen Nhi (representative of Vietnam), Tinaprit Kaur Dillon Balwant Singh (representative of Malaysia) and Sara Christine Bona (representative of the Philippines).

Five excellent beauties participated in the behavioral round. After that, the judges continued to select the top 3 including Nuttanan Naree, Benedicta Heda Mercy Charis and Huynh Thi Yen Nhi. Surpassing two strong candidates, Nuttanan Naree - representative of Thailand - was officially crowned Miss ASEAN Friendship 2017. Huynh Thi Yen Nhi won the title of 1st runner-up, Benedicta Heda Mercy Charis became 2nd runner-up.

Nuttanan Naree (left) was crowned Miss, and Huynh Thi Yen Nhi became 1st runner-up.

Benedicta Heda Mercy Charis became 2nd runner-up.

In addition, the secondary titles were also awarded to 6 contestants, including: Miss Sea Natasha Angela Manuel (representing the Philippines), Miss Tourism Huynh Thi Yen Nhi (representing Vietnam), Miss Friendly Benedicta Heda Mercy Charis (representing the Philippines), Miss Photogenic Sornsarot Vittayaruengsook (representing Thailand), Miss Talent Vanessa Tiara Tay Ya Men (representing Singapore).

According to VTV