Thai Court Finds Former Miss Universe CEO Guilty in ₱56.7-M Corporate Bond Fraud Case

Former Miss Universe CEO Anne Jakrajutatip is facing up to two years in prison after a court in Thailand found her guilty of fraud in connection with a 30-million-baht (approximately ₱56.7 million) corporate bond investment.

According to a report by the Bangkok Post, the Bangkok South Kwaeng Court handed down the ruling after Jakrajutatip failed to appear in court, prompting judges to proceed with the case despite her absence.

Court records show that the South Bangkok Criminal Court had earlier issued an arrest order against Jakrajutatip after she did not attend the scheduled verdict hearing on November 25. Her nonappearance ultimately led the court to issue its decision in absentia, a legal process that allows a verdict to be rendered even when the accused is not physically present.

A representative of JKN Global Group, the media conglomerate founded and led by Jakrajutatip, attended the court hearing on December 26. However, Jakrajutatip herself did not personally appear, reinforcing the court’s decision to formally announce the judgment without her presence.

Jakrajutatip is a high-profile Thai media executive who gained international attention after acquiring the Miss Universe Organization in 2022. Her leadership of the iconic global pageant brought her widespread recognition beyond Thailand, making the court ruling a closely watched development both domestically and internationally.

Legal analysts note that while the court has already issued a guilty verdict, further legal steps including possible appeals or enforcement actions could determine whether Jakrajutatip will ultimately serve the prison sentence. Thai authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional measures will be taken to compel her appearance before the court.

The case underscores growing scrutiny by Thai courts on alleged corporate and investment-related fraud, particularly involving high-profile business figures.