Catriona Gray makes guest appearance on Thailand’s ‘True Academy Fantasia’

Eight years after being crowned Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray returned to Thailand for a special guest appearance on the reality show “True Academy Fantasia” (AF). 

Catriona shared insights from her journey and offered advice on confidence, authenticity, and connecting with an audience.

A snippet of her appearance was posted on June 23 by the show’s official page, while her management company Cornerstone Entertainment also released a full video on Facebook confirming her guesting.

Inside the AF house, the 32-year-old was warmly welcomed by the contestants as she greeted them with enthusiasm.  Introducing herself, she greeted, “Sawadika! It’s nice to meet you all. My name is Catriona. I’m so excited to be able to spend some time with you today and really get to know all of you.” 

When asked about making strong first impressions, building confidence, and staying memorable while remaining authentic, Catriona emphasized that identity is something people continually develop.

“When you're 16, when you grow older, you're constantly on a journey of figuring out who you are, and that's okay. And we're constantly evolving, we're learning, we're growing.”

She encouraged the contestants to focus on their personal stories, saying that what makes a performer special is not perfection or skill alone, but the ability to connect with people through authenticity.

“I know that a lot of us may think you have to be the best singer, the best dancer, the best performer. But the way that your audience sees you and connects to you, and if they can see a part of themselves in you and your journey. That's, for me, a core value of how to connect with your audience and to make yourself memorable.”

She added that audiences remember how a person makes them feel more than appearance or technical skills. Catriona also reminded the contestants that everyone has a meaningful story.

“The good news is that all of us have the opportunity to have that. A part of your story is where you came from—your family, your community, what you represent, your dreams, even your failures. Knowing how to communicate and share that is what makes you memorable and ultimately helps you succeed,” she added.

Gray also spoke about her own experience representing the Philippines on the global stage. “I carry my country with me with pride. When I went out, I wanted to wear the Philippines, so I used symbolism, color, and silhouettes through fashion.”

She emphasized that performers can express their cultural identity in the same way—through performance, storytelling, or simply speaking proudly about where they come from.

The host later asked about her experience in Thailand and her impression of the country after winning the Miss Universe pageant there. Gray shared her deep fondness for Thailand, saying it holds a very special place in her heart. She also noted similarities between Thai and Filipino culture, saying, “We’re very hospitable, very kind, always with a smile.”

She then connected this to the show’s theme on Thai identity, encouraging contestants to take pride in their culture as they pursue global careers in entertainment.

“The goal for each of you is to become a global performer or a global artist. If we’re going to dream big, that’s the goal.”

"True Academy Fantasia" is a long-running reality show focused on discovering and developing new talent in singing and acting. Contestants live together in the “AF house” for around three months under 24/7 live streaming. 

Viewers can watch their training, performances, rehearsals, and daily routines, including meals, conversations, and personal moments inside the house.