Thailand's Miss Universe Bid Is Delayed

Thailand's bid to host the Miss Universe 2005 pageant is in disarray because the government has delayed paying its $6.5-million contribution.

The government's delay in paying the host site fee to the New York-based Miss Universe Organization -- a Donald Trump and National Broadcasting Co. partnership -- has discouraged prospective sponsors, according to Aree Siriyeum, the vice president of Showcase Thailand 2005.

The government was supposed to pay the $6.5 million a long time ago so the private sector could go ahead by promoting the event to bring in more sponsors, she told the Bangkok Post.

Showcase Thailand 2005, CM Organiser Plc, the December 5th the Great Foundation, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand were to share the $15 million in organizing costs and insurance fees.

Aree said the event was unlikely to generate profits for the private organizers and they only hope to cover their costs.

We were bidding to organize the event because we want to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience and build up our reputation for future projects, as well as organize subsidiary events for the beauty contest, she said.

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