Addressing the Controversies: Am I Thai enough?

​I've been receiving a lot of positive messages from people around the world, but I have also been receiving a few negative and discouraging messages. I just wanted to address the controversies and concerns about my plans for the future.
I received a few comments about how I am not Thai enough, and that I am too American to consider competing for Miss Universe Thailand. I do believe that everyone is entitled to opinions, and I do not expect everyone to support my decisions. I am also completely empathetic and understand the concerns many people might have in regards to my qualifications to even consider applying to such a renowned and respected organization.
However, I would also love to be able to explain myself and my dream. I want the opportunity to change this opinion, not only for myself but for women around the world struggling to be accepted as multicultural.
Culture can be lost but it can also be found. Why does someone want to deny me culture? I am not one sided. I am constantly learning and growing.
Being born in a particular country does not prevent me from embracing my ethnicity. Being born in a particular country does not change my ancestry. I understand the concern of a person's inability to embody the true culture of a society but, in my personal opinion culture is meant to be shared and appreciated. It’s meant to be spread around the world to preserve its survival in the future. Please don't deny me from learning, embracing, and adapting a culture that has survived for thousands of years. Thai culture is unique and strong, Thai culture has lasted through world wide depressions, recessions and oppressions. Thai culture should be admired and shared. The strength of my ancestry, the perseverance of my grandmother, and the success of my mother is something I am extremely proud of.
So I ask you, from the bottom of my heart, please don’t deny me culture. Don’t discourage me from learning and embracing who I am as a person. Yes, I am American but I am also Thai, And no one can take that away from me.
Thank you to everyone who supports me!