Thai business tycoon and Miss Universe co-owner Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip faces legal action over alleged fraud and missed court appearance.

A Bangkok court has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, after she failed to appear at a scheduled hearing in connection with a fraud case. The hearing, originally set for Tuesday, has now been rescheduled for December 26, 2025.

Details of the Fraud Allegations

Jakkaphong and her company, JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., are accused of defrauding investor Raweewat Maschamadol in 2023 by selling corporate bonds that reportedly caused him to lose 30 million baht ($930,362).

• JKN began defaulting on investor payments in 2023.
• The company entered debt rehabilitation proceedings with the Central Bankruptcy Court in 2024, reporting total debts of approximately 3 billion baht ($93 million).

Jakkaphong was previously charged with fraud in 2023 and released on bail. Because she failed to notify the court of her absence, the Bangkok South District Court deemed her a flight risk.

Miss Universe Ownership and Controversies

• JKN acquired the Miss Universe pageant rights from IMG Worldwide LLC in 2022.
• In 2023, the company sold 50% of its Miss Universe shares to Legacy Holding Group USA, owned by Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú.
• Jakkaphong resigned from all company positions in June 2025 after allegations by the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission regarding falsified 2023 financial statements, though she remains the company’s largest shareholder.

The 74th Miss Universe competition, held in Bangkok earlier this month, faced multiple controversies, including:

• A public reprimand by a Thai organizer of Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico, the newly crowned Miss Universe 2025.
• Judges reportedly withdrawing over claims of contest rigging.
• Allegations of illegal promotion of online casinos during event publicity.

Jakkaphong was absent from the pageant, and her current whereabouts remain unknown. JKN has denied rumors that she liquidated company assets and fled the country, but no immediate comments were issued regarding the arrest warrant.

Personal Background

Jakkaphong is a prominent Thai celebrity, known for her appearances in reality TV shows and her advocacy as a transgender woman, speaking openly about her identity in the media.