According to the New York Times, August 5, "while a worldwide television audience saw El Salvador’s sunny beaches before the “Miss Universe” finals July 19, off-camera heavily armed troops were called out to halt demonstrations by students protesting the Government's expenditure of $1-million on the contest." Protests took place in Santa Ana and San Salvador, resulting in a student massacre with far-reaching consequences for the country. Again, from the NY Times: "According to the military Government, which contended that the march was part of a “Communist plot”, one person was killed, five wounded, and 11 arrested. But according to the students, at least 12 persons were killed, 20 wounded, and 40 arrested".[1]
Selection of participants
Sirikwan Nantasiri, Miss Thailand Universe 1975 (not to be confused with Miss Universe Thailand), refused to compete in order to achieve acting career. The pageant authorities decided to send Wanlaya Thonawanik, her 3rd runner-up to compete instead.[2]