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A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, the co-owner of the Miss Universe Organisation, after she failed to attend a scheduled hearing in a long-standing fraud case.
The Bangkok South District Court announced that Jakkaphong did not appear for her Tuesday hearing and did not provide any prior notification for her absence. Because of this, the court ruled that she posed a potential flight risk and consequently issued a warrant for her arrest. The matter has been postponed to December 26.
Jakkaphong and her company, JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., are currently facing a lawsuit filed by Raweewat Maschamadol. In the suit, Raweewat accuses the company of defrauding him during the sale of corporate bonds in 2023, alleging a financial loss of 30 million baht (about $930,362). Jakkaphong was initially charged with fraud last year and was granted bail at the time.
The legal issues come at a difficult period for JKN Global Group, which has been struggling financially. The media company began defaulting on investor payments in 2023 and later filed for debt rehabilitation with the Central Bankruptcy Court in 2024. JKN disclosed that its liabilities amount to roughly 3 billion baht (approximately $93 million).
JKN purchased the rights to Miss Universe from IMG Worldwide LLC in 2022. However, due to financial constraints, the company sold a 50% stake in the organisation to Legacy Holding Group USA—owned by Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú—in 2023.
The arrest warrant emerges as fresh controversy continues to surround the recently concluded Miss Universe 2025 pageant. The global event faced widespread backlash after winner Fatima Bosch dramatically walked out during a pre-pageant ceremony. Her protest targeted Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Universe Thailand director, who was recorded in a viral video berating Bosch for missing promotional duties and calling her a “dumbhead” for following her national director’s instructions.
Several contestants from other nations followed Bosch in a coordinated walkout.
The situation worsened days before the final competition when two prominent judges withdrew. Lebanese-French composer Omar Harfouch resigned, alleging “fraud,” “corruption,” and a “secret vote” that manipulated the results. Former French footballer Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing “unforeseen personal reasons.”
Adding to the unfolding drama, Olivia Yace of Côte d’Ivoire resigned from her position as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania shortly after finishing among the top five in this year’s event.
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