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Bui Simon
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Bui Simon (born Porntip Nakhirunkanok (Thai: ภรณ์ทิพย์ นาคหิรัญกนก; RTGS: Phonthip Nakhirankanok; pronounced [pʰɔ̄ːn.tʰíp nâːk.hì.rān.kā.nòk]); February 7, 1969) is a Thai philanthropist and beauty queen who won Miss Universe 1988.[3] Simon is president and founder of the Angels Wings Foundation.[4] She is on the Board of Regents of Pepperdine University, the Board of the Children's Museum of Indianapolis as a Distinguished Advisor and also is on the Board of Governors for the Dream Foundation.

Key Information

Biography

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Porntip Nakhirunkanok was born in Bangkok, Thailand. Her nickname is "Bui" (Thai: ปุ๋ย, RTGS: Pui, pronounced [pǔj]), which is her preferred name. It means "to sleep like a baby" in Thai.[citation needed] In the early 70's, she was brought to the United States by her family. She attended Washington Irving Middle School and Franklin High School in Los Angeles. In August 1988, Nakhirunkanok was presented the Thai Royal Medal of Honour, Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant, by King Bhumibol Adulyadej for her service in helping children in need. She received a second Royal Decoration in 2001, Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand.[citation needed]

In 1989, she was named United Nations Goodwill Ambassador of Thailand by Air Chief Marshal Siddhi Savetsila, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. As Goodwill Ambassador, she addressed the UN General Assembly concerning the Convention on the Rights of the Child.[citation needed]

In 2002, she married Herbert Simon, an American businessman who is the owner of the Indiana Pacers basketball team and Simon Property Group.[5] The home she and her family had lived in, and all belongings, were destroyed in the January 2025 Southern California wildfires.[6]

Pageantry

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In 1983, at the age of 15, Simon took part in the Miss California Teen USA where she was placed first runner-up. Upon her return to Thailand, she participated in the 1988 Miss Thailand pageant held in Bangkok where she won the right to represent Thailand at the Miss Universe pageant.

Aged 19, Simon was crowned as Miss Universe 1988 by outgoing titleholder Cecilia Bolocco on May 24, 1988, in Taipei, Taiwan. She became the second Thai woman to win the title after Apasra Hongsakula who won Miss Universe 1965.[4] Simon became the first woman ever to win both the Miss Universe and Best National Costume award in one pageant. At the time of Miss Universe 1988, Simon weighed 114 pounds (52 kg), and stood at 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m).[4] Simon crowned her successor, Angela Visser of the Netherlands, at Miss Universe 1989 in Cancún, Mexico.

References

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Bui Simon

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Porntip Bui Simon (née Nakhirunkanok; born 1969) is a Thai-American philanthropist, former beauty queen, television producer, and businesswoman, renowned for being crowned —the second representative from to win the title—and for founding the Angels Wings Foundation to support education for underprivileged children in Thailand. Born in to a Thai mother and an American father, Simon moved to the at age four and was raised in the area, where she began participating in pageants as a teenager, including placing as first runner-up in the Teen USA competition in 1983. She later earned a in from in , and established the Bui Simon Thai Endowed Scholarship Fund there to aid Thai students. Following her Miss victory, Simon became Thailand's first Miss Universe to serve as a and worked as a spokesperson for brands like Colgate while also anchoring and co-producing a Thai edition of the news program . In 2002, Simon married billionaire real estate developer Herbert Simon, co-founder of and owner of the NBA team; the couple formerly resided in a Malibu destroyed by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and together raise ten children, including five from his previous marriage and five younger ones (two biological and three adopted). She has also pursued business interests as a silent partner in The Office of Angela Scott, a luxury shoe brand. Simon's philanthropic efforts center on her role as founder and president of the Angels Wings Foundation, established in 2002 to provide educational opportunities for underserved Thai youth, including scholarships worth $5,000 to $10,000 for university studies in the and , as well as rural teaching programs requiring recipients to return and teach in their home provinces. The foundation has funded the of buildings and libraries in , awarded dozens of scholarships annually to high school seniors, and donated millions of baht to initiatives like Teach for Thailand. Following the 2004 , it rapidly built over 100 homes in in collaboration with the Red Cross and supported affected fishermen within ten days.

Early life and education

Upbringing and family background

Porntip Nakhirunkanok, known later as Bui Simon, was born on February 7, 1969, in , . She was raised in a Thai-American family, born to a Thai mother, Sornglin Supakosol, originating from the rural province of , where she had worked in rice fields during her youth, and an American father. Supakosol instilled strong values of , , and hard work in her daughters, often sharing stories of her simple upbringing to emphasize appreciation and . Porntip had at least one sister, and the family emphasized Thai cultural principles that shaped their sense of responsibility and connection to their roots. Porntip's early childhood in was brief, as the family relocated to the around age four or five, but it was marked by the foundational Thai familial environment that fostered her later interests in public life and service. Her mother's dedication, including working multiple jobs after while overcoming language barriers, further reinforced lessons of perseverance and community involvement that would influence Porntip's values throughout her life.

Move to the United States and education

At the age of about four or five, around 1973–1974, Porntip Nakhirunkanok (later known as Bui Simon) and her family relocated from , , to the , settling in the area. This immigration marked the beginning of her integration into American society, where she navigated cultural differences as a young Thai immigrant. She immersed herself in a new environment while maintaining ties to her heritage. Simon adapted to life in the U.S. by attending local public schools, including Washington Irving Middle School and Franklin High School in Los Angeles' Highland Park neighborhood, from which she graduated in 1986. These experiences helped her bridge her Thai roots with American customs, fostering resilience and community involvement during her formative years. Following high school, Simon pursued higher education at in , earning a in in the early . Her studies in provided a foundational understanding of human behavior and development, which later informed her commitment to supporting vulnerable youth. In recognition of her achievements and dedication to education, she established the Bui Simon Thai Endowed Scholarship Fund at in 2008, aimed at enabling Thai students to pursue studies in the United States and promoting cross-cultural exchange.

Pageantry career

Early pageant participations

Bui Simon, born Porntip Nakhirunkanok, began her involvement in pageantry during her teenage years in the United States after relocating there as a child. At age 15, she entered her first major competition, the Teen USA 1983, where she achieved first runner-up, marking an early success in American beauty contests. This participation highlighted her growing interest in pageants while pursuing her education in California, which provided the opportunity to engage in such events as a Thai-American teenager. She honed skills in , talent presentations, and cultural representation that would define her later career. In 1988, Simon returned to her native and competed in the pageant in , where she won the national title just three weeks after arriving, securing her qualification for the international stage. As a Thai-American contestant, she faced scrutiny regarding her cultural ties and eligibility to represent , navigating debates about identity and national representation in the competition.

Miss Universe 1988

The Miss Universe 1988 pageant, the 37th edition of the annual international beauty competition, was held on May 24, 1988, at the Lin Kou Stadium in , , featuring 66 contestants from around the world. Representing as 1988, Porntip Nakhirunkanok became the second woman from her country to win the title, following Apasra Hongsakula's victory in 1965, and the first Thai-American to do so. The event, broadcast to an estimated 600 million viewers in 57 countries, highlighted Nakhirunkanok's poised demeanor and cultural representation amid a diverse field that advanced her to the top five finalists, four of whom were Asian. Key moments during the competition underscored Nakhirunkanok's strengths across multiple segments. She won the Best National Costume award for her elaborate Thai-inspired attire during the opening ceremonies on May 14, 1988, which celebrated traditional elements and drew acclaim for its creativity and national pride. Her performances in the swimsuit competition showcased athletic grace, while the evening gown segment emphasized elegance and sophistication. In the interview portion, Nakhirunkanok delivered articulate responses that highlighted her intelligence and commitment, contributing to her selection as the winner among the finalists. At the pageant's conclusion, outgoing Miss Universe Cecilia Bolocco of Chile crowned the 19-year-old Nakhirunkanok, who tearfully accepted the title with a traditional Thai gesture of gratitude, marking a historic moment for Thailand in global pageantry. Immediately following the win, she began her year-long reign with official duties, including international travels to promote goodwill and cultural exchange, transforming her from a California-based student into a prominent international ambassador. This victory elevated Thailand's standing in beauty pageants, inspiring national pride and a surge in participation for future competitions.

Professional career

Media and television work

Following her success as , Bui Simon transitioned into a media career that leveraged her international profile and bilingual proficiency in Thai and English. Her pageant victory served as a launchpad for on-screen opportunities, allowing her to bridge cultural narratives between and global audiences. Simon's fluency in both languages enabled her to pursue roles, facilitating communication in diverse environments and appealing to both local Thai viewers and international networks. In the late and early , Simon served as the lead anchor and co-producer for Thailand, a localized spin-off of the franchise that focused on tailored to Thai audiences. This high-profile role highlighted her journalistic skills and ability to deliver in-depth reporting on regional issues, drawing on her English-language training from U.S. to adapt the American format for Thai viewers. Simon also hosted and appeared on various Thai and international television programs, particularly those related to beauty pageants and interviews. Additionally, she appeared as a guest on U.S. talk shows, including multiple episodes of Family Feud in 1991, where she represented her post-pageant persona as Porntip Nakhirunkanok. These roles underscored her versatility in entertainment formats, often incorporating interviews that showcased her cross-cultural insights. Her bilingual abilities were instrumental in these opportunities, enabling seamless transitions between Thai-language hosting and English-language international segments.

Endorsements and business activities

Following her reign as Miss Universe 1988, Bui Simon capitalized on her international profile to secure high-visibility spokesperson roles for major consumer brands, primarily in during the late 1980s and early 1990s. She represented in promotional advertising campaigns that highlighted her as a youthful, aspirational figure, aligning the brand's marketing with her status as a global beauty icon. Simon also served as a for , , and , appearing in print and television advertisements focused on oral care, , and products. These endorsements involved modeling assignments where she showcased beauty routines and product benefits, often emphasizing empowerment and elegance to appeal to Asian markets. Her media experience as a television anchor further enhanced the appeal of these commercial partnerships, allowing her to blend on-screen charisma with brand messaging. Over time, following her 2002 marriage to businessman Herb Simon, she transitioned to executive roles, including a position on Pepperdine University's Board of Regents, while maintaining a focus on selective entrepreneurial collaborations in the lifestyle sector, such as serving as a silent partner in The Office of Angela Scott, a luxury brand specializing in menswear-inspired women's shoes.

Philanthropy

Founding and mission of Angels Wings Foundation

In 2002, Bui Simon founded Angels Wings Foundation International as a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding underprivileged children in . As the president and founder, Simon personally established the foundation to address the needs of underserved youth in her native country, drawing on her resources to initiate its operations. The setup was motivated by her commitment to long-term social impact, with initial efforts focused on creating a structured vehicle for beyond ad hoc support. The foundation's mission centers on empowering Thai youth through , , and overall development, providing essential resources to help them overcome and build brighter futures. Specifically, it aims to fund educational opportunities, deliver healthcare services, and foster personal growth for from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have the tools to thrive. This overarching goal reflects a holistic approach to child welfare, prioritizing sustainable interventions that promote and upliftment. Simon's own experiences as a Thai native profoundly inspired the foundation's creation, channeling her desire to give back to the communities she knew firsthand. Her bachelor's degree in from informed the emphasis on empowerment and mental well-being, while her 1988 platform—where she advocated for —laid the groundwork for using public influence for social good, seamlessly aligning with the foundation's objectives. This personal evolution around 2002 further fueled her resolve to formalize these efforts.

Key initiatives and impacts

One of the cornerstone initiatives of the Angels Wings Foundation is its scholarship programs, which emphasize educational access for Thai and Thai-American youth. The Bui Simon Thai Endowed Scholarship Fund, established in 2008 at —Simon's alma mater—provides financial support for exceptional Thai students pursuing undergraduate studies in the United States, enabling them to attend the institution and build international careers. Complementing this, the Angels Wings Thai Scholarship Initiative, launched in 2017, awards $5,000 to $10,000 annually to dozens of high-achieving Thai-American high school graduates for , school, or expenses, with recipients selected based on academic merit, leadership, and community involvement. In 2025, the initiative awarded scholarships to 58 recipients in the United States. In Thailand, the program has similarly funded college scholarships for outstanding youth, such as the 30 awards given in 2018 to commemorate Simon's 30 years as and 15 more in 2023 for the 2023-2024 academic year. In , the foundation has spearheaded and projects targeting rural and underprivileged communities to combat and improve child welfare. Key efforts include the Development , which funds the construction and upgrading of schools in remote areas, alongside the Rural Teaching Scholarship and Teach for Thailand programs that recruit and train mentors to deliver quality in underserved regions. Healthcare initiatives provide medical aid to children, such as essential treatments, vaccinations, and support for orphanages through the Precious , which addresses immediate needs for vulnerable youth. Following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the foundation built 100 homes, supplied a fleet of boats for economic recovery, and constructed schools while offering full scholarships, directly aiding thousands of affected families in rebuilding their lives. These programs collectively serve anti-poverty goals by equipping children with and resources to break cycles of deprivation, with ongoing support reaching rural border areas like . The foundation has expanded internationally through partnerships with U.S.-based organizations to bolster support for Thai youth abroad. Collaborations with Thai consulates in cities like and facilitate scholarship applications and events, while ties to institutions such as Pepperdine ensure sustained funding and mentorship opportunities. These efforts extend the foundation's reach, fostering a network of Thai-American scholars who serve as role models and leaders within their communities. The impacts of these initiatives are evident in their scale and recognitions. By 2025, the foundation had empowered hundreds of students through scholarships, while broader programs like school construction and healthcare have benefited thousands of children in Thailand, enhancing educational attainment and health outcomes in impoverished areas. The Angels Wings Foundation has received acclaim for its work, including Simon's election to the Pepperdine University Board of Regents in 2010 in honor of her philanthropic leadership, and her personal receipt of the Thai Royal Medal of Honor from King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1988 for contributions to the nation's youth. These efforts underscore the foundation's role in transforming lives through targeted, sustainable support.

Personal life

Marriage to Herb Simon

Bui Simon, born Porntip Nakhirunkanok, married American businessman Herbert "Herb" Simon in 2002. The couple met earlier that year, with Simon's status as a former and prominent Thai media figure facilitating their union. Herb Simon is a self-made billionaire who co-founded , the largest owner of shopping malls in the United States, and serves as the principal owner of the NBA franchise. Prior to marrying Bui, he had two previous marriages: the first to , resulting in two children, and the second to Diane Meyer, a political staffer, from 1981 until their divorce in 2000, with whom he had three children. Their featured a in the followed by a traditional Thai in later that year. The profoundly shaped Bui Simon's life, solidifying her relocation to the and aligning her with shared pursuits in business and alongside her husband.

Family and residences

Bui and Herb Simon have two biological children, Sean and Sophie, whom they raise together. The couple also integrated five stepchildren from Herb Simon's prior marriages into their blended family, fostering a close-knit household that emphasizes mutual support and shared values. Additionally, the family cares for three children of Bui Simon's late sister, whom they have adopted and raised as their own, contributing to a dynamic of extended familial bonds and collective caregiving. The Simon family's life in the United States revolves around a mix of leisure, sports, and cultural pursuits, with frequent involvement in events due to Herb Simon's ownership of the team. Family members often attend games and related activities, strengthening their connections through shared experiences in . They also engage in cultural activities, such as supporting arts initiatives and community events, reflecting Bui Simon's Thai heritage and the family's commitment to diverse traditions. Bui Simon's primary residence was a luxurious oceanfront home in , where the family had lived for over two decades until it was destroyed by wildfires in January 2025. The family maintains properties in , centered in , which serve as a base for their Midwestern activities and ties to the Pacers organization. They also own a property in , allowing Bui Simon to connect with her roots and oversee philanthropic efforts there. This array of residences supports a high-end lifestyle enabled by Herb Simon's substantial wealth as a . Throughout their family life, Bui Simon's relatives actively support her philanthropic endeavors, participating in events for the Angels Wings Foundation and aligning with broader family giving through the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. This involvement extends to public engagements, where the blended family promotes causes like and , drawing on their collective resources and influence.

References

  1. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/major-donors/bui-simon-grants-for-glitzy-giving
  2. https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3025322/thai-former-miss-universe-philanthropic-mission-her-native
  3. https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/420138/from-roots-to-wings
  4. https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/former-miss-universe-porntips-california-home-destroyed-in-wildfires/56097
  5. https://www.angelswingsfoundation.org/
  6. https://conandaily.com/2025/02/07/10-things-about-miss-universe-1988-bui-simon/
  7. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/05/24/Miss-Thailand-a-19-year-old-beauty-who-has-lived-in/6958580449600/
  8. https://www.theeastsiderla.com/education/former-miss-universe-returns-to-her-highland-park-school-with-encouragement-and-a-100-000/article_90ad28ff-05ac-5428-bb71-302dcfcf1b24.html
  9. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/angels-wings-founder-bui-simon-elected-to-pepperdine-university-regents-97092114.html
  10. https://www.foundationsandfutures.org/chapter/thai-americans/module-1-departures-and-arrivals/
  11. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/05/24/Thai-beauty-is-Miss-Universe-1988/4495600084464/
  12. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-24-mn-3209-story.html
  13. https://www.alamy.com/miss-thailand-porntip-nakhirunkanok-center-wins-the-best-national-costume-award-in-the-opening-ceremonies-of-the-miss-universe-pageant-at-taipeis-lin-kou-stadium-may-14-1988-miss-usa-courtney-gibbs-of-fort-worth-texas-right-is-second-runner-up-and-miss-japan-mizuho-sakaguchi-is-the-second-runner-up-in-the-costume-competition-the-finals-of-the-miss-universe-pageant-will-be-held-here-may-24-ap-photoyang-chi-hsien-image517090338.html
  14. https://www.eliteplusmagazine.com/Article/detail/581
  15. https://buisimon.wordpress.com/about/
  16. https://about.me/buisimon
  17. https://alchetron.com/Bui-Simon
  18. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10349111/
  19. https://www.femina.in/beauty-pageants/miss-universe/beauty-queens-where-are-they-now/eventshow/53992748.cms
  20. https://www.angelswingsfoundation.org/about-bui-simon
  21. https://www.angelswingsfoundation.org/about-angels-wings-foundation
  22. https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40029558
  23. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/miss-universes-world-up-in-flames-as-home-burns-in-los-angeles
  24. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLdw2dLPYsc/
  25. https://www.angelswingsfoundation.org/pepperdine-thai-scholarship
  26. https://www.angelswingsfoundation.org/our-journey
  27. https://cgchicago.thaiembassy.org/en/content/angels-wings-thai-scholarship-initiative-2025-2
  28. https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/pr-los-angeles-03292023-3
  29. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2019-9-24-i-know-exactly-where-these-kids-are-a-philanthropist-focuses-on-thai-youth
  30. https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/indiana-pacers/2025/06/21/68569209ca47417f088b4579.html
  31. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-playoffs-who-is-herb-simon-s-wife-porntip-bui-nakhirunkanok-meeting-pacers-owners-former-miss-universe-life-partner-and-kids/
  32. https://www.forbes.com/profile/herb-simon/
  33. https://www.fieldhousefiles.com/p/herb-simon-family-celebrate-hall-of-fame-induction-in-springfield
  34. https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/pacers-foundation-herbert-simon-family-foundation-announce-250k-contribution-help-feed-central-indiana-families-government-shutdown/531-990b208c-4bcd-4401-9a48-72b214dd6494
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