[5] Thailand publicized its bid to host the pageant on 10 July 2004, during a visit by Miss Universe 2004 Jennifer Hawkins to the country.

[8][9] In October, the proposal faced difficulties when the Thai government were slow to provide the promised funds, which discouraged prospective sponsors,[10] leading Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to become personally involved to make sure that plans were not derailed.

[12] In February 2005, after the Thai government confirmed plans to back the pageant, the Deputy Prime Minister refuted claims that the event would be held in Khao Lak, a resort town devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, but confirmed that Southern Thailand would host events prior to the final competition.

[14] Cheryl Ankrah was originally crowned Miss Trinidad and Tobago 2005 but was dethroned after she was accused of not fulfilling her duties and becoming overweight.

[16][17] The 2005 edition saw the debut of Latvia, and the returns of Albania, Indonesia, Mauritius, Namibia, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, US Virgin Islands, and Zambia.

Austria, Botswana, the Cayman Islands, Chinese Taipei, Estonia, Ghana, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Sweden after their respective organizations failed to hold a national competition or appoint a delegate.