THE HAGUE, Netherlands - Officials in the Netherlands launched a last-ditch media offensive to persuade Dutch voters to support the European constitution, but the possibility of that happening looked a lot less likely after French voters rejected the charter.

A second electoral defeat in four days, and by another founding member of the EU, would be a stinging rebuke to the bloc's decision makers.

Unlike France's referendum, which was binding on the government, the Dutch vote is advisory. Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's governing party said Monday it will accept a "no" verdict only if turnout reaches at least 30 percent and if 55 percent of those who vote reject the charter.

BANGKOK, Thailand - Miss Canada, Natalie Glebova, was crowned Miss Universe in the 54th annual pageant held in the Thai capital of Bangkok. The brunette from Toronto was chosen over Miss Puerto Rico Cynthia Olavarria.The two were among five contestants selected to answer questions onstage in the final round of the competition. The others were from Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.Glebova, 23, was asked what she considered the biggest challenge of her life. She said it was remaining optimistic."I always try to maintain a positive outlook on life," she said.Earlier, the 12-judge panel narrowed the field of 81 contestants to 15, then 10 as the Miss Universe hopefuls modeled evening gowns and swimsuits.During the event broadcast live, hosts introduced the contestants, judges and last year's winner, Australia's Jennifer Hawkins.Thailand hopes that hosting the pageant will boost the country's tourism sector, which was badly hurt by last December's tsunami.