Chalita, fresh from competing in the recent 65th Miss Universe 2016 contest in the Philippines, was taken to Government House by Tourism and Sports Minister Korbkarn Wattanavrangkul to help to boost tourism in Thailand.

“He [Prayut] wished me to do my duties at my best and stay focused on my studies,” said Chalita, who is a junior studying microbiology at Mahasarakham University.

“He [Prayut] is nothing like I see on TV. He is a very cute in person,” she added smiling.

As it was Valentine’s Day, Chalita presenting the premier with a bouquet of roses and a brown teddy bear.

Her nickname “Namtan” means sugar. See namtan, or the colour of sugar, means brown in Thai.

While her beauty and sophisticated gowns created an Internet sensation in the early days of the contest, Chalita’s friendly, down-to-earth personality helped her to reach the top six in the competition.

During the contest’s question session she hailed the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej when asked who was her most admired world leader.

“I saw him working non-stop since I was born. He never complained,” she said. “He was also a father figure to all Thai people.”

At Government House yesterday, she said she was proud to represent her beloved Kingdom. “I’m glad to be a part of mutual love among Thai people,” she said after meeting the prime minister.

“As a representative of Thailand, I was asked [by Prayut] to promote morality in society,” she said. “People shouldn’t just be satisfied with a merit-making ceremony.”