Maria Poonlertlarp facts for kids

Maria Lynn Ehren (Thai: มาเรีย ลินน์ เอียเรียน), known as Maria Poonlertlarp (Thai: มารีญา พูลเลิศลาภ), was born on January 18, 1992. She is a Thai-Swedish actress, model, and activist. Maria is also famous for winning the Miss Universe Thailand 2017 beauty pageant. After winning, she represented Thailand in the Miss Universe 2017 competition, where she placed in the top five.

Maria's Career Journey

Maria Poonlertlarp started her modeling career in August 2016. She appeared on the cover of Vogue Thailand magazine.

In 2018, she was a special guest on the TV show Asia's Next Top Model (season 6). She appeared in the fourth episode of that season.

In February 2019, Maria became a mentor on The Face Thailand (season 5). She helped guide new models on the show. She worked alongside other mentors like Toni Rakkaen and Virahya Pattarachokchai.

Pageant Competitions

Miss Universe Thailand 2017

Maria Ehren was a favorite to win the Miss Universe Thailand pageant. People admired her modeling experience, how she presented herself on stage, and her great answers during the Q&A part.

During the first round, Maria won a special award called Boutique Lady. This award came with a cash prize and a free first-class plane ticket. The ticket was for her trip to the Miss Universe 2017 pageant.

On July 29, 2017, Maria was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2017. The event took place at Siam Paragon in Bangkok. The previous winner, Chalita Suansane, placed the crown on Maria's head.

As the winner, Maria received the Thailand sash and crown. She also won a new 2018 Honda Civic car. She got one million baht in cash and a year-long sponsorship from BSC Cosmetology services.

Miss Universe 2017

On November 26, 2017, Maria represented Thailand at the Miss Universe 2017 pageant. This big event was held in Las Vegas, U.S. Maria did very well and finished in the top 5 of the competition.

For the national costume part of the competition, Maria wore a special outfit. It was called Mekhala Lor Kaew (Thai: เมขลาล่อแก้ว). This means "Chasing the Light" or "Mekhala's Jewel Bait." The costume was inspired by a famous Thai story called Ramakien.

A professional artist named Prapakas Angsusingha designed the costume. Maria also had to learn and practice khon. This is a traditional Thai dance style. She also practiced the puppet art of Hun krabok to prepare for her performance.

Maria's Personal Life

Maria Poonlertlarp is a Buddhist. She volunteers her time to teach English. She works at Duang Prateep, which is a non-profit group. This group helps children in Thailand and is supported by the Thai royal family.

In 2020, Maria showed her support for people who wanted to bring about positive changes in Thailand. She believes in standing up for important social issues.

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