Why did Anne Jakrajutatip resign from Miss Universe? Controversy explained as arrest warrant is issued against former pageant CEO

The 71st Miss Universe Competition - Press Conference - Source: Getty
Anne Jakrajutatip speaks at the 71st Miss Universe press conference in New Orleans. (Image via Getty/Jason Kempin)

An arrest warrant has reportedly been issued against the ex-CEO of Miss Universe, Anne Jakrajutatip.

The Thailand Supreme Court issued the warrant this week after Jakrajutatip failed to make an appearance for the verdict in a fraud case involving 30 million Thai baht. She also failed to explain her absence, which the South Bangkok Criminal Court deemed as an intention to "evade justice and ordered her arrest."

Anne Jakrajutatip, who is a transgender businesswoman, stepped down from the Miss Universe Organization and resigned from all her positions within the company, JKN, on June 20. At the time, JKN experienced a shift in its board members' positions, and it distanced itself from Jakrajutatip's legal issues.


Here's everything we know about Anne Jakrajutatip's mounting legal issues:

Khaosod English said of the case against Anne Jakrajutatip:

"The case was filed by Dr. Raweewat Maschamadol against JKN Global Group Public Company Limited (defendant 1) and Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip (defendant 2) on charges of joint fraud through false representation and concealment of facts."

The outlet has reported that the charges are related to

"jointly committing or consenting to false statements and/or maintaining incomplete, incorrect, and inaccurate accounting records in the company’s 2023 annual financial statements and Q1 2024 accounting documents."

A notification from the company reads:

“The Company would like to inform you that Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip and Pimauma Jakrajutatip have submitted their resignation letters to the Company, resigning from their positions as directors, subcommittee members, and executives of the Company, effective from June 5, 2025, onwards."

Thairath has reported that the court has since ordered a complete fine to Anne Jakrajutatip, which she will have to pay within 15 days. The next hearing has been scheduled for December 26.

GMA News Online has reported that the businesswoman has fled to Mexico, though this has yet to be confirmed. The South China Morning Post has reported,

"political activist Sondhi Limthongkul accused Jakapong [Jakrajutatip] of relocating to Mexico to evade the rehabilitation plan [of JKN] and other legal obligations."

Khaosod English reported that Anne Jakrajutatip's alleged absconding came amid rumors that she "had converted 6 billion baht ($186 million) into cryptocurrency."

"On November 24, JKN Global issued a statement denying these rumors, attributing delayed debt payments to economic slowdown and cash flow discrepancies rather than fraud. The company stated that investigations by government agencies are ongoing and that no wrongdoing has been established. JKN affirmed its commitment to transparent operations and cooperation with all parties," Khaosod English added.

Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more.

Edited by Jenel Treza Albuquerque