MANILA, Philippines — Miss Thailand Sireethorn Leeramwat was crowned Miss International 2019 in Tuesday’s coronation night of the Miss International beauty pageant.

The Philippine’s bet in 2019 Binibining Pilipinas International winner Bea Patricia “Patch” Magtanong managed to barge into the Top 8 of the pageant that was held in Japan.

Magtanong’s speech highlighted on how women should not live in fear and should treated with respect regardless of their respective backgrounds.

Magtanong was asked “Why should women live in fear of harassment violence and discrimination when basic human decency calls for respect, tolerance, and compassion?”

“To cheer all women means to support all women regardless of their race, religion or background. But not only this, it also means to remove the barrier that prevents women from realizing their full potential” Magtanong said.

Mexico’s Andrea Toscano was proclaimed first runner-up followed by Uganda’s Evelyn Namatovu Karonde as second runner-up, while Alejandra Vengoechea of Colombia was declared third runner-up, and Harriotte Lane of United Kingdom as fourth runner-up.

During the 2018 Miss International pageant, Magtanong’s successor, Ahtisa Manalo, was named first runner-up.

The Philippines last won the title of the Miss International pageant was in 2016, wherein beauty queen-turned-actress Kylie Verzosa bagged the crown. (Gelica Paulo/IAMIGO/CNS)