Miss Universe held a National Costume Show Wednesday in Nonthaburi, Thailand, with contestants dressed in colorful outfits depicting marine life, animals - and tea.

122 contestants walked the stage at an arena north of Bangkok, each wearing a costume paying tribute to their nation, as a lively audience cheered and waved flags throughout.

Thailand's Praveenar Singh received the biggest cheer of the night.

The audience also gave an enthusiastic welcome to the Filipino and Vietnamese contestants, reflecting the popularity of the Miss Universe competition in Southeast Asia.

Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch was another hit, after being embroiled in a dispute with Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil earlier in the month, when he publicly berated her for not posting promotional content, prompting a mass walkout of contestants in solidarity.

Innovative outfits warmly received by the audience included Miss Venezuela's glittering bodysuit and fishnet cape - attached to mobile seascapes featuring turtles - and Miss Chile's dress, depicting glaciers.

Both were designed to raise awareness of environmental issues.

African contestants such as Miss Rwanda, Miss Nigeria and Miss Democratic Republic of Congo opted for animal themed outfits.

Miss Puerto Rico danced on the stage as a glittering hummingbird, while Miss USA sported feathery wings, completing the look by closing her arms to bring two halves of an eagle's face together.

Miss Great Britain chose an Eliza Doolittle-inspired costume, tumbling to the floor before removing her flower seller's outer layers to reveal a glittering white evening dress, in a nod to Audrey Hepburn's "My Fair Lady."

But one of the most exciting moments of the evening was when Miss Sri Lanka emerged clad in a giant golden teapot, a tribute to Ceylon tea.

The event culminated with all contestants on stage with the host and Miss Universe 2022 winner R’Bonney Gabriel.

The preliminary round of the contest will take place later on Wednesday, with the final on Friday.