The co-owner of the Miss Universe pageant, Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, is facing serious legal troubles after failing to appear at a Bangkok court on Tuesday. The Bangkok South District Court has deemed her a flight risk due to her absence, as she did not notify the court regarding her inability to attend. The court has rescheduled the hearing for December 26, 2023.
The case involves allegations that Jakkaphong and her company, JKN Global Group Public Co Ltd, defrauded investor Raweewat Maschamadol by selling him corporate bonds in 2023. Raweewat claims that the investment led to a loss of 30 million baht (approximately $1.4 million AUD). JKN, which has faced financial difficulties, began defaulting on payments to investors in 2023 and initiated debt rehabilitation proceedings with the Central Bankruptcy Court in 2024. The company is currently reported to have debts totaling around three billion baht.
In a significant move, JKN acquired the rights to the Miss Universe pageant from IMG Worldwide LLC in 2022. Subsequently, in 2023, it sold a 50 percent stake in Miss Universe to Legacy Holding Group USA, owned by Mexican businessman Raul Rocha Cantu.
Jakkaphong, who identifies as transgender, resigned from all company positions in June after being accused of falsifying JKN’s financial statements for 2023 by the Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission. Despite her resignation, she remains the largest shareholder of the company. Her current whereabouts are unclear, as she did not attend the 74th Miss Universe competition held in Bangkok in November. This particular event faced its own challenges, including controversy surrounding the crowning of Fatima Bosch Fernandez of Mexico as Miss Universe 2025 on November 19. Reports suggested issues with two judges dropping out, raising concerns about potential rigging.
Separately, Thai police are investigating alleged illegal promotion of online casinos linked to the event’s publicity. On Monday, JKN issued a statement denying rumors that Jakkaphong had liquidated the company’s assets and fled the country. Despite this, there has been no immediate response from Jakkaphong regarding the arrest warrant issued against her. Attempts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful.
Jakkaphong is a prominent figure in Thailand, known for her appearances on reality television and her advocacy for transgender rights. Her situation continues to develop, drawing attention both for its legal implications and its impact on the Miss Universe brand.
