About one billion TV viewers are expected to watch this year's event. The event will be telecast live and will be carried by many stations all over the World. It is best to check your local listing to make sure you don't miss this event.

The bicentennial city of Bangkok is known as the City of Angels and is rapidly becoming one of the premiere fashion capitals of the world. The city is also home to many ancient canals, which once afforded Bangkok the title “Venice of the East.”

"The officials we met with in Thailand showed great enthusiasm at the prospect of hosting the three week event. After the tragic tsunami of December 26th, all discussions were put on hold out of respect for the country and the Thai people. In recent weeks the Thai Government and the other entities involved returned to us, certain of their desire to host the Pageant, its contestants and their families and friends. We are honored and look forward to the privilege of helping Thailand as it begins to rebuild its tourism industry. We have told Minister Kunplome that he has our full support, said Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization.

Of course, Miss Lebanon will be competing in this event. Her name is Nadine Njeim . We were able to get these pictures from bangkok of Miss Lebanon and some of her friends, courtesy of and Reuters to share with our readers.

Miss Lebanon with Misss Mexico and Miss Albania

Miss Nadine Njeim of Lebanon poses with a Thai girl while touring Wat Phra Kaeo, Bangkok's Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Miss Lebanon poses with Miss Venezuela

Miss Lebanon holds a candle

Miss Lebanon with an umbrellain front of Bangkok's Temple

Also see: Miss Lebanon in Thailand, part 2