Thuzar Wint Lwin

Burmese militia issues warrant for Miss Universe Vietnam's arrest

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The 69th Miss Universe competition may have been culminated but Miss Universe Myanmar 2020 Thuzar Wint Lwin is not yet ready to fly home to her beloved country. The military junta that replaced her government has issued a warrant for her arrest.

Like her compatriot Han Lay, who also received a similar warrant after competing in the Miss Grand International 2020 in Bangkok for being outspoken, she, too, has pushed for democratic reforms in their country. The civil disturbance has displaced over 250,000 of its citizens.

Thuzar eluded the border patrol by craftily wearing a well placed hoodie and dark sunglasses to hide her identity. En route to her departure for the US, she mailed her costume and evening gown through an international courier company. Unfortunately, all these never got to her.

The Chin (Sino-Tibetan) community in the States helped in hastily recreating her lost costume. Called "Fearless Empress," the replacement costume won the Best National Costume award. During the NatCos presentation, Thuzar brought a placard bearing the message, "Pray for Myanmar." Thuzar's good showing at the preliminaries made her part of the Top 21 semifinalists.

When Thuzar sent out a distress call for things she needed for the prelims and final show, one of those who heeded her plea was LA-based Filipino fashion designer Kirsten Regalado. Now, another Filipina has offered her home as temporary residence 'til her life's crisis are over.

Comedienne Pokwang, Marietta Subong in real life, in her social media account @pokwang27 wrote, "Bukas ang aking tahanan para sa 'yo, Miss Myanmar. Halika muna sa aking bahay (at) papakainin kita ng roasted chicken at laing ni mamang."

Thuzar was deeply moved by these shower of support from Filipinos, whether they be pageant fans or not. Despite the standing warrant, she is firm and active in her activist's stance. It was reported earlier that Thuzar is still not sure where to go next, now that her Miss Universe journey has ended.