Maria Lynn Ehren (Thai: มาเรีย ลินน์ เอียเรียน), known professionally as Maria Poonlertlarp (Thai: มารีญา พูลเลิศลาภ, RTGS: Mariya Phunloetlap, pronounced[māː.rīː.jāːpʰūːn.lɤ̂ːt.lâːp]) is a Thai actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2017.[2] She represented Thailand at Miss Universe 2017, where she reached the top 5.
During its preliminary segment, Poonlertlarp won the Boutique Lady title sponsored by Bangkok Airways with a prize of 100,000 baht cash, and a complimentary round-trip first class airline ticket for the upcoming Miss Universe 2017 pageant destination.[4] Poonlertlarp was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2017 on 29 July 2017 at Siam Paragon in Bangkok by the outgoing title-holder, Chalita Suansane.[5]
During the competition, Poonlertlarp was asked what was difficult about being a woman. she answered:
Equality of men and women in Thailand isn’t equal yet, but to move forward, both men and women have to hold hands and move forward together, because it’s not just an issue about women. This stage will help me to succeed and build foundations to help Thailand.[6][7][2]
During the pageant, she said she wanted to work on issues with sexual equality, teenage pregnancy, proper trash disposal and care for the homeless.[2]
On 26 November 2017, Poonlertlarp represented Thailand at Miss Universe 2017 in Las Vegas, U.S., where she reached the top 5.
At the competition, Poonlertlarp wore a Thai national costume called Mekhala Lor Kaew (Thai: เมขลาล่อแก้ว), also known as "Chasing the Light" (Mekhala's Jewel Bait),[citation needed] which was inspired by the Thai national epic Ramakien. It was designed by Prapakas Angsusingha.[8][9][10] Ehren had to study and practice khon which includes traditional Thai dance and puppetry art of Hun krabok.[11]
Personal life
Poonlertlarp is a Buddhist.[12][13] In addition, she is a volunteer who teaches English at Duang Prateep, a non-profit foundation sponsored by the Thai royal family for children in Thailand.[14]