A Bangkok court has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, a co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, following her failure to appear in court for a fraud case. The Bangkok South District Court announced the warrant on Wednesday after Jakrajutatip, who had previously been charged with fraud and released on bail in 2023, did not notify the court of her absence during a scheduled hearing on November 21, 2023. The court deemed her a flight risk due to this lack of communication.
Jakrajutatip, along with her company, JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., faces allegations of defrauding Raweewat Maschamadol in a transaction involving the sale of corporate bonds in 2023. Maschamadol claims that this investment resulted in a loss of 30 million baht (approximately $930,362). The fraudulent claims are part of a broader financial crisis affecting JKN, which defaulted on payments to investors starting in 2023 and has entered debt rehabilitation procedures with the Central Bankruptcy Court in 2024. The company currently reports debts of about 3 billion baht (about $93 million).
Miss Universe Ownership and Recent Controversies
In 2022, JKN acquired the rights to the Miss Universe pageant from IMG Worldwide LLC. The following year, the company sold a 50% stake in the pageant to Legacy Holding Group USA, owned by Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú. Despite her legal troubles, Jakrajutatip remains the largest shareholder of JKN.
In June 2023, she resigned from all company positions following accusations by Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission of falsifying financial statements. Her current whereabouts are unknown, and she did not attend the recent 74th Miss Universe competition held in Bangkok earlier this month. This event faced various challenges, including a controversial incident involving a Thai organizer’s remarks towards Fátima Bosch Fernández, who was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on November 19, 2023. Reports indicate that two judges withdrew from the event, with allegations of potential rigging surfacing.
Separately, Thai police are investigating claims that promotional activities for the Miss Universe event included illegal advertisements for online casinos.
On November 20, 2023, JKN publicly denied rumors that Jakrajutatip had liquidated the company’s assets and fled the country. However, the company has not issued a statement regarding the arrest warrant. Attempts to reach Jakrajutatip for comment have been unsuccessful.
Jakrajutatip is a prominent figure in Thailand, known for her appearances in reality television and her advocacy for transgender rights. Her legal troubles have raised significant public interest, particularly in light of her high-profile association with the Miss Universe pageant.