An arrest warrant has been issued against Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, co-owner of the Miss Universe organization. A Bangkok South District Court ordered her arrest after she failed to appear in court on a scheduled date.
The court deemed Jakrajutatip’s absence a serious violation of her bail conditions. Authorities now consider her a flight risk.
The warrant stems from a major financial fraud case from 2023. Jakrajutatip and her company are accused of defrauding investor Raveewat Maschamadol by selling corporate bonds.
The investor claims to have suffered losses totaling approximately 30 million Thai Baht, or about $819,672 USD, from this investment. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for December 26.
Jakrajutatip’s company, JKN Global Group, has been grappling with severe financial difficulties. It filed for debt restructuring in 2024, following its inability to pay investors in 2023. The company reportedly has outstanding debts of around 3 billion Thai Baht.
The company acquired the global rights to the Miss Universe competition in 2022. This made it the first Asian company to own the pageant.
However, escalating debt led the company to sell half of its stake to a foreign group in 2023. Thai financial regulators also accused Jakrajutatip of manipulating the company’s annual financial statements.
She resigned from all company positions in 2024. Despite this, she remains the largest shareholder in JKN Global Group.
Jakrajutatip’s current whereabouts are unknown. She was notably absent from a recent Miss Universe competition held in Bangkok.
While the company denied claims that she fled the country after selling assets, it has not commented on the arrest warrant.
Separately, the Miss Universe competition itself has faced several controversies recently. A video circulated showing a Thai organizer publicly scolding a participant on stage.
Reports indicated that two judges withdrew from the panel before the competition. One judge alleged “improper interference” in the event.
Thai police are also investigating whether online advertisements promoting illegal gambling were involved in the competition’s publicity.
Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip is a prominent media personality in Thailand. She is known for her appearances in popular programs and for being an outspoken transgender woman. Her legal issues raise questions about the future operations of the Miss Universe organization and her company.