Anne Jakrajutatip reportedly resigns from JKN amid allegations of falsifying financial records
Anne Jakrajutatip, the owner of the Miss Universe Organization, has reportedly resigned from her post at JKN Global Group, amid allegations of falsifying financial statements.
Anne, whose real name is Jakkaphong, and JKN director Pimauma Jakrajutatip have submitted their formal resignations from all roles, including Board directorships, subcommittee memberships, and executive positions, effective June 5, 2025, according to a report by Thai media, The Nation.
This development comes after the JKN Global Group informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand that the Securities and Exchange Commission had filed a complaint with the Department of Special Investigation. The complaint implicates JKN, its CEO, and its director, alleging they "failed to properly and accurately maintain the company’s financial records."
"The allegations concern the joint act or consent to record false information and/or incomplete and inaccurate accounting records in JKN’s 2023 annual financial statements and Q1 2024 financial documents," the report said.
The complaint came from JKN’s independent auditor, who flagged the company’s audit committee to "several irregularities in its content licensing transactions" including duplicate license purchases for content that JKN the company secured, which rights had not yet expired, as well as the "unusually large new licensing acquisitions despite the company’s ongoing liquidity problems, and even signs that some transactions may not have existed at all."
The auditor also flagged incomplete accounting documentation and discrepancies found between purchase records and audit findings.
"The SEC determined that Jakkaphong and Phimuma had directed the creation of fictitious creditors and debtors. These fabricated accounts were included in the 2023 and Q1 2024 financial statements to inflate the company’s reported income and liabilities," The Nation reported, adding that Anne allegedly submitted the 2023 falsified financial statements and annual report to the SEC, which violates Section 281/10.
JKN's Board of Directors will convene to discuss their resignations. Meanwhile, Khaosod English reported that DSI will hand over the case to the Financial, Banking, and Money Laundering Crime Division, which will further investigate the matter.
Anne remains as CEO of the Miss Universe Organization
Following the reports of his resignation from JKN, MUO clarified that the businesswoman will not exit the organization and will remain as the CEO.
"We categorically deny any reports suggesting a change in leadership within the organization. Anne Jakrajutatip remains the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Miss Universe Organization, and Raúl Rocha continues to serve as President. There have been no modifications to our executive structure," MUO said in the statement.
"Under the continued leadership of Ms. Jakrajutatip and Mr. Rocha, the Miss Universe Organization remains committed to its mission of empowering women worldwide and producing a global platform for voices of ambition, purpose, and change," they added.
Anne, via JKN, acquired the MUO in October 2022. The following year, the Bangkok Post reported that her company had accumulated a debt of 443 million baht (P713 million) for its JKN239A loans.
At the time, she clarified that they simply carried out a payment date adjustment after the company requested a postponement of the repayment schedule.
That same year, Anne filed for bankruptcy amid a "liquidity problem" and missed a deadline to repay bonds worth around $12 million.
Established in 2014, JKN is one of the biggest content management and distribution companies in Thailand. It has partnered with media giants like Walt Disney, CBS, and Sony.
The 74th Miss Universe edition is set to take place in Thailand in November. Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo will vie for the country's fifth crown.
