Tracing the Origins of Ann Jakrapong Billionaire Owner of Miss Universe Amid Rumors of Relocation

The name Ann Jakrapong Jakrajutatip is one the world must remember as the first transgender woman globally to own the Miss Universe pageant. Her success began with a small video rental store and grew into a multi-billion-baht media empire under JKN Global Group.

However, her brilliant journey took a drastic turn when her billion-baht empire faced a bond debt crisis, leading to a business rehabilitation filing and subsequent rumors of her relocating abroad and an arrest warrant.

Thairath Entertainment takes you through every key turning point in Ann Jakrapong’s unexpected life path before summarizing the latest developments, which remain mysterious and closely watched.

The beginnings in media and content business (JKN Global Group)

- Ann Jakrapong (formerly Pong) was born on 17 February 1979 into a Chinese-Thai family. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Bond University in Australia. Ann started her business career by taking over her father's video rental store and sought other opportunities as the video rental market declined.

- Through her entrepreneurial efforts, Ann achieved success by importing and exporting content licensing from around the world, especially Indian TV series and shows. She earned the nickname "Billion-Baht Bharat Queen". This business grew under JKN Global Media Public Company Limited, which was listed on the stock exchange in 2017.

- Additionally, Ann Jakrapong operated the JKN channel on satellite and cable TV, featuring foreign series with Indian dramas being highly popular at the time. The channel also aired series from South Korea, China, and the Philippines, as well as documentaries, news, and business programs.

- In 2021, Ann expanded into television by investing over one billion baht to acquire the digital TV channel New 18 (now JKN18) as a platform for advertising and promoting various products.

Historic deal as owner of Miss Universe pageant

- In October 2022, JKN made global headlines by announcing the full acquisition of Miss Universe Organization (MUO) for approximately 800 million baht (20 million US dollars).

- Ann Jakrapong took the role of CEO of MUO, becoming the first transgender woman in the world to own the oldest international beauty pageant.

- In 2025, reports indicated Ann stepped down as MUO CEO to focus on resolving JKN's business crisis, appointing Raul Rocha Cantú as her successor.

Liquidity crisis and business rehabilitation filing

- The crisis began with financial liquidity problems, particularly the ability to repay bonds. JKN had seven outstanding bond issuances totaling over 3.36 billion baht.

- The company defaulted on bond JKN239A (due September 2023) and failed to obtain debt repayment concessions as planned, causing defaults on other bonds and all bank loans to follow.

- On 8 November 2023, JKN's board approved filing for business rehabilitation with the Central Bankruptcy Court under the Bankruptcy Act. The court accepted the petition on 9 November 2023, triggering an immediate plunge in JKN's stock price.

- The company appointed a rehabilitation plan administrator and requested an extension to submit the rehabilitation plan, shifting its core business model from content licensing sales toward selling products and services under the Miss Universe brand and others.

Current situation and rumors (Update Nov 2025)

- Ann Jakrapong's situation is under close scrutiny amid ongoing rumors and legal cases.

- Reports state that a court issued an arrest warrant for Ann due to her failure to attend a verdict hearing in a 30-million-baht bond fraud case, with her bail fully forfeited.

- During the crisis, social media was rife with rumors that Ann had relocated to Mexico, transferring assets and converting 6 billion baht into cryptocurrency abroad, allegedly with assistance from current MUO president Raul Rocha Cantú.

- Amid heavy rumors, Ann temporarily deactivated her Instagram account before reopening it, but removed the Miss Universe ownership status from her profile bio.

- Ann has not officially clarified her activities or whereabouts regarding the relocation rumors.

- Raul Rocha Cantú, current MUO president, who acquired shares from Ann and reportedly helped her relocate to Mexico, was formally charged by Mexico's Attorney General's Office with suspected involvement in leading a criminal organization trafficking drugs, weapons, and illegal oil between Guatemala and Mexico. This report emerged amid a storm of conflicts engulfing the Miss Universe organization in recent weeks.

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