The Mister International beauty pageant has occurred nearly every year since its creation all the way back in 2006. The contest has a long and storied history. “The Mister International Organization (MIO) is a global, inclusive organization that celebrates all cultures, backgrounds, and religions,” the MIO team shares on its website.

“We create and provide a safe space for men to share their stories and drive impact personally, professionally, and philanthropically. The men who participate in this international platform serve as inspirational leaders and role models to their communities and fans around the world.”

The organization running the contest isn’t focused just on beauty, however. It has lots of philanthropic ties, too. “MIO prioritizes giving back to our communities through an international platform of charitable partnerships. As leaders and role models, our delegates and titleholders create positive change by volunteering, fundraising, and advocacy.”

“The Mister International Organization exists to advocate for a future forged by men—men with the courage to push the limits of what’s possible, who are curious enough to make world-shaking discoveries, and audacious enough to do this over and over. We believe that the future of humanity rests on reaching gender equity around the world,” the organizers shared.

According to the MIO team, the organization aims to empower men to realize their personal and professional ambitions and to build up their self-confidence. “The MIO community is a brotherhood that is committed to uplifting one another,” the organizers said that they celebrate all forms of handsomeness.

The winner of the Mister International 2023 was 24-year-old Thitisan ‘Kim’ Goodburn, from Thailand. As it happens, this year, the contest was actually held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The British-Thai model, actor, and tech consultant is the very first man from Thailand to have won the crown at this beauty pageant. The winner opened up to ‘Lifestyle Asia’ that even though he had been in front of the camera since secondary school, he wasn’t always so confident.

“I prepared for Mister International Thailand (MIT), but I didn’t have much time for the global competition. However, participating in MIT before the main event helped me a lot. All the activities within the contest taught us many things. It helped improve my catwalk and mindset, showing me how to develop as a person,” Goodburn told ‘Lifestyle Asia.’

“I’m delighted to win this crown for Thailand for the first time, and I’m honored to be the first male pageant king in Thai history. After this, I will pursue my career in acting and modeling as usual. I also look forward to working with a few CSR organizations and possibly the TIJ for Thailand,” this year’s winner said.

It’s not just physical appearance that’s important when participating in beauty pageants. “Initially, I believed that looks were the only thing that mattered. However, after participating, I realized that these competitions are about much more than that,” Goodburn said that compassion, empathy, being a good listener, and representing the voice of society are all very important aspects for contestants to have.

“Before getting to know the contestants, I was slightly scared. As a Thai person and having our camp in Ayutthaya, Thailand’s historical hub, sometimes people can be bored of cultural stuff. But to see everyone so appreciative and interested in our culture made me really happy. Although it was a competition, it felt like networking. I made many new, incredible friends from different countries. It’s an opportunity you don’t really get,” the winner said.

“I certainly am not the most handsome person, but it’s my traits. You need charisma and talent to be able to face certain circumstances and to be a positive role model,” Goodburn told ‘Lifestyle Asia.’ According to the winner, the contest isn’t just about representing your country: you have to represent the world and be the voice of those who are unheard.

“I am deeply thankful for all the support and kind words from people worldwide. It’s so heartwarming. I hope my journey in this pageant and life inspires both the younger and older generations.”