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Laos Wins Best National Costume at Mister Global 2025 with Mani Khot Tree-Inspired Design

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The ancient Mani Khot tree, a sacred symbol rooted in Champasack Province, southern Laos, has taken the global spotlight, inspiring the Best National Costume award at Mister Global 2025 in Thailand and earning Laos a place of pride on the international stage.

Representing Laos, Youphalayth ‘Bobbie’ Phethany, Mister Global Lao 2025, brought home the award with the costume titled “The Guardian Angel of the Mani Khot Tree.”

The sacred Mani Khot Tree of Champasak, Laos, is revered in legend as the Tree of Destiny. 

Believed to possess magical powers, the tree is said to bring prosperity in the direction its branches point. 

While Bobbie did not design the costume himself, he played a central role in developing the idea and overall concept. Deeply connected to his Champasack roots, he wanted to wear something that would stand out and reflect Laos’ rich culture and mythology. The ancient Mani Khot tree, known in Lao legend as the Tree of Destiny, became the core inspiration.

“I’ve spent two weeks thinking about the concept, but I couldn’t think of anything until one night I dreamed of Khon Phapheng Waterfall, where the tree is located,” Bobbie said.

Mani Khot Tree (Photo: BM News)

That dream sparked the vision that later took shape in collaboration with Thai designer Khumpee Alangkarn. 

Bobbie was clear from the start: the costume must meet three criteria, it had to represent his homeland, be completely original, and align with the designer’s creative style.

“It’s not only a national costume but an opportunity to show what Laos’ tradition is. It also symbolizes the Lao-Thai relationship, combining modern and traditional elements together,” he added.

The journey to the stage wasn’t easy. The costume was heavy, and Bobbie had to wear it for over six hours before performing.

Bobbie is representing the costume.

“I let my feelings control my body. I did my best to represent it that way. I tried not to move too slowly, otherwise the airtime would be too long, while still having to be elegant at the same time,” he said.

Knowing this was his final pageant competition, Bobbie said he hopes his performance will inspire others to follow their dreams.

A Design Rooted in Culture

Khupee, the Thai designer of this costume, has a strong connection to Laos, having previously created outfits for several Lao pageant contestants, including the Miss Universe Laos 2018 national costume, which also won Best Costume.

“I tried to find the most special spots of the tree so that the costume would be eye-catching while staying true to its original form,” he said.

The outfit aimed to mix mythology and history, incorporating references to the Naga, the mythical serpent of the Mekong River, and portraying Bobbie as the spirit of the Mani Khot tree, a guardian figure.

Preparation before showing on the stage (Photo: Khumpee Alangkarn
คำภีร์ อลังการ)

“The person wearing the outfit (Bobbie) was meant to symbolize the spirit of the tree, like a protective guardian, so he could shine on stage along with the costume,” Khumpee added.

Yet, even with a month of preparation, last-minute challenges arose.

“The last minute was so stressful. Imagine having to fix the costume on a hotel bed,” he recalled.

But the team’s dedication paid off. The costume captivated both the judges and audience alike.

“I think we successfully made the audience curious about the tree’s meaning. That was our goal. Even though I’m Thai, I love the Lao people and their culture as much as my own homeland,” Khumpee highlighted.

This recognition marks another cultural milestone for Laos.

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