We speak to recently crowned Miss Earth-Fire about Thailand’s eco credentials

Following her coronation as Miss Earth Thailand this September, 28-year-old Jareerat “Baitong” Petsom took the runner-up title of Miss Earth–Fire in the final round of the international Miss Earth pageant, held virtually on November 21st. Her eco video—a required submission from all finalists in the annual competition—won the Best Video award for its strong environmental message and stunning natural scenery showcasing Baitong’s hometown of Chumphon.

Baitong has taken part in many beauty pageants, including two entries in the Miss Universe Thailand contest. But the environmental activist and sustainability advocate came into her own in the Miss Earth contest. 

Koktail sat down with the recently crowned Miss Earth-Fire to discuss pageantry as activism, environmental projects in Thailand, and her journey to promote eco-friendly living.

What is most important, to you, about winning this title in the Miss Earth pageant?

The most important thing is that I have a platform where my voice will be heard. That’s why I took part in the two Miss Universe pageants. In Thai society, no one will listen to you unless you are famous, and now that I have a title to claim, I hope they will hear me. What do I want to talk about? The earth, which is the most important issue today.

What makes earth such an important issue?

It’s basic: you can save yourself only if you save the earth you live in. During my Q&A round at the Miss Earth finals, I said that the environment should be the priority in everyone’s lives, because their own future depends on it. To me, humans are not on top of the pyramid. They are part of the circle. We are part of the biodiversity of the earth, and we need each other.

Were you proud to win the award for best eco video?

I’m so proud of this. This video is very much me, and everything I said is straight from the heart. In it, I wear gorgeous clothes and makeup, but then I slowly remove them to become the simple, free girl in my small hometown of Chumphon. We had to submit nearly 20 videos, in different costumes, for the contest. I posed for all of them against the beautiful, natural attractions of Chumphon, and the background environment was as important as the costumes.

You joined the Green World Club way back in 2005…

Everyone joined the Computer Club, I joined the Green World Club—not realising that it would make me such a green activist! We learned a lot about the environment and went out a lot. That’s when I discovered the beautiful environment of Chumphon. It has everything: mangroves, waterfalls, mountains, and beaches.

During college, I did freelance modelling assignments and also worked as a host for a TV travel show to pay for my education, as my family is not well-off. In the show, I travelled to various destinations in Thailand (and a few outside) and spoke a lot about environmental issues like how to turn trash into treasure, how to leave nothing behind on a beach except your footprints, and many other topics.

Is that why you joined the Green World Foundation?

Yes, they selected me to be their spokesperson when they heard about my activities. I love working for them because they give talks and lessons about the environment in schools, which is what I love to do.

Why were you chosen UN Sustainable Ocean Ambassador?

I was given this title because of the many eco youth camps I held. I also did various ocean projects in Chumphon, to save the reefs and coral.

What is your online project, ‘Baan Baan’, about?

I realized that the easiest way to spread the word about the environment is through social media. So I started my Baan Baan page on Instagram, where I communicate in easy words about the environment. I’m happy that I have a lot of followers, mostly youngsters, and I’m sure that will increase after my recent win.

Tell us about your dream environmental project.

I have a dream environment project: to build an Eco Living Academy in my hometown of Chumphon. The idea is that one lives simply, runs freely, and enjoys one’s environment thoroughly. One must not just talk, but walk the talk. I started plans to build my academy, three years before Covid, but I got cheated by the builder. I hope to be luckier with sponsors, after my recent title. I won’t give up.

You never give up, do you?

This is what my mother taught me: to believe in what you do and never give up. She’s been my biggest influence. We’ve been through hard times—my father left us when we were very young, and my sister joined the military to support us. But we’ve all become stronger, due to those hardships.

Where does Thailand fare on environmental issues?

We have a long way to go. If I can be honest, most people only want to make more money, want to get more ‘likes’ on their social media pages. That’s why I’m trying to use social media for a positive impact, and spread basic info about the environment. I want to start an organization too. Everyone thinks it’s so complicated, and one must do big environmental projects… not at all! If everyone follows the basic rules, the earth will be a much better place to live in.