Las Vegas, Nevada (Thailand) – December 24, 2015 (travelindex) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) warmly congratulates Miss Universe Thailand 2015, Ms. Aniporn Chalermburanawong, on winning the Best National Costume award at the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Ms. Aniporn or “Nat”, the 21-year-old beauty from Lampang, also made it into the top 10 finalists of the beauty contest.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is involved in the development of the dress as part of its strategy to promote Thai tourism. The dress's designer, Hirankrit Pattaraboriboonkul, drew inspiration from one of the most recognizable and playful symbols in Bangkok's vibrant street life, combining it with technical precision, 3D imaging technology, and haute couture craftsmanship to create the award-winning national costume.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the TAT, said: “The award-winning Tuk-Tuk National Costume is an excellent advertisement for the country’s tourism. It showcases the popular three-wheeled auto-rickshaw, one of Thailand’s most recognizable symbols. At the same time, it enhances the Kingdom’s image and highlights the charm of Thai hospitality and the tourism sector to millions of viewers of the world’s largest beauty pageant. We are very proud that one of Thailand’s most iconic symbols has been recognized by the esteemed judges of the 2015 Miss Universe pageant.”

International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.TATnews.org