Miss Universe Owner Vanishes in Thailand Amid Fraud Case

...

By Daniel Orton

Editor, Live News

ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, the co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, after she failed to appear in court for a scheduled fraud verdict.

Her absence comes amid mounting controversy surrounding both her and the international beauty pageant.

Jakrajutatip's location is currently unknown. She was notably absent from the 74th Miss Universe competition held in Bangkok earlier this month, intensifying speculation about her status.

Why It Matters

The case has wide-reaching implications beyond the courtroom. Jakrajutatip is not only a high-profile celebrity in Thailand—known for her outspoken transgender identity and appearances on reality television—but also a key figure in the global pageantry world.

...

What To Know

Jakrajutatip, a prominent Thai media entrepreneur and founder of JKN Global Group, was previously charged with fraud and released on bail in 2023. Authorities allege that she defrauded a plastic surgeon, Raweewat Maschamadol, in a corporate bond sale that led to a loss of 30 million baht (approximately $930,000).

Her failure to attend the court hearing on November 25 without notice prompted the Bangkok South District Court to deem her a flight risk and reschedule the verdict for December 26.

Speculation has also swirled around whether Jakrajutatip has fled Thailand. On Monday, JKN Global issued a statement denying rumors that she had liquidated assets and left the country, though it did not address the warrant itself.

She has not made any public comment and could not be reached.

Her company, JKN Global, acquired the Miss Universe Organization in 2022 from IMG Worldwide, a move celebrated as a symbol of LGBTQ+ progress in international media.

Financially, however, JKN Global has faced mounting troubles. The company defaulted on debt repayments in 2023 and initiated formal debt rehabilitation procedures through Thailand’s Central Bankruptcy Court in 2024. JKN reported liabilities of around 3 billion baht (approximately $93 million).

In 2023, JKN sold half of its stake in the Miss Universe Organization to Legacy Holding Group USA, owned by Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú.

Jakrajutatip resigned from all executive roles at JKN in June 2025 after Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission accused her of falsifying the company’s financial statements. She remains JKN’s largest shareholder.

The Miss Universe Organization previously told France 24 that the legal proceedings involving Jakrajutatip were “entirely separate” from the management of the pageant.

...

What Happens Next

The verdict in Jakrajutatip’s fraud case is now set for December 26. Whether she will appear remains unknown. Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Organization continues to be rocked by internal controversy: recent reports have alleged rigged judging processes, last-minute jury changes, and the withdrawal of judges in protest during the 2025 competition.

Thai police have also launched an investigation into seemingly illegal online casino promotions allegedly tied to the event.

As of Wednesday, there has been no official response from Thai authorities or the Miss Universe Organization regarding attempts to locate Jakrajutatip.

This article contains reporting by The Associated Press

Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines