Maria Poonlertlarp, a ravishing Thai-Swedish beauty pageant titleholder, model, singer, and actress, who has captivated audiences with her enchanting presence, was bestowed the esteemed title of Miss Universe Thailand 2017.
Göran Ehren, Maria's Swedish father, an electrical engineer by profession, and Chanoksuang Poonlertlarp, her Thai Chinese mother, a former instructor at the American TESOL Institute, welcomed Maria into the world in the bustling city of Bangkok.
As a toddler, Maria's family made the bold decision to relocate to Hanoi, Vietnam, where she spent her early years immersed in the vibrant culture and rich history of the city.
As a young teenager, she embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of modeling, enrolling in an esteemed training program with Elle Thailand, a renowned publication that has been a driving force in the fashion industry for decades.
Her hard work and dedication soon paid off as she made a stunning debut in the world of modeling, gracing the cover of Vogue Thailand's Beauty issue in the sweltering summer month of August 2016. This milestone marked the beginning of an illustrious career, one that would take her to new heights and introduce her to a global audience.
In the year 2018, she made a notable appearance as a guest star in the fourth episode of Asia's Next Top Model, which was part of its sixth season.
Maria's professional endeavors extend far beyond her impressive modeling and television resume, as she is a dedicated and compassionate individual who dedicates her time and energy to making a positive impact on the world. One of her most notable philanthropic endeavors is her work as a volunteer English teacher at Duang Prateep, a renowned non-profit foundation sponsored by the esteemed Thai royal family.
This remarkable organization is dedicated to providing vital support to underprivileged children in Thailand, and Maria's involvement with Duang Prateep is a testament to her commitment to giving back to the community.
Maria's academic journey began with the attainment of a bachelor's degree from the esteemed Erasmus University Rotterdam, located in the Netherlands, where she had the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in her chosen field. Following the completion of her undergraduate studies, Maria furthered her education by enrolling in the master's program in International Business Commerce at Stockholm Business School, which is an integral part of the renowned Stockholm University. Through her dedication and hard work, Maria was able to successfully complete her master's degree in 2020, equipping her with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to excel in her professional endeavors.
Maria, a quintessential embodiment of globalism, boasts an impressive linguistic repertoire, effortlessly navigating the complexities of Chinese, English, Swedish, and Thai, her mastery of these languages a testament to her insatiable curiosity and passion for cultural immersion.
As a citizen of the world, Maria has dedicated herself to fostering a deeper understanding and exchange between diverse cultures, leveraging her platform to break down linguistic and cultural barriers, and to promote a spirit of unity and cooperation among nations.
Notable in 2020 was the public declaration of solidarity by the individual in question, as she unequivocally voiced her backing for the activists participating in the 2020 Thai protests, thereby unequivocally showcasing her unwavering dedication to the principles of social justice and human rights.
