The model Phan Hoang Thu was fined VND15 million (USD714) on January 22 for competing in the Miss World Tourism 2013 pageant without permission from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Phan Hoang Thu got into the top 6 in Miss World Tourism 2013

In December, Thu registered in the Miss World Tourism contest, held in Malaysia. She was in top six, and won the Miss Tourism Southeast Asia.

Explaining why she did not ask for permission, Thu said, "After I made the top eight in the 2013 Asia Supermodel Contest in Nanning, China, I was known by the organisers of several beauty contests including the Miss World Tourism. When I received their invitation, I didn't know if I should go because the preparation time was so short. I only had about a week to take care of all the procedures and outfits. The administrative procedures take a long time. If I had waited for permission, I'd have missed the contest, so I decided to go anyway. I know I violated the ministry's regulations, so I'll accept my penalty."

It is said that the fine is the lowest possible within the range of VND15 million to 30 million.

Thu was born in 1990 and graduated from the University of Art Education. She was employed by Elite Model Management Agency for a while before becoming a freelance model. Thu also won first place in the Future Star 2012 contest.

Many Vietnamese contestants have participated in international beauty pageants, but few took prizes home.