Miss Universe owner files for bankruptcy in Thailand

The Thai media company that owns the Miss Universe beauty pageant brand said it has filed for bankruptcy while it tries to resolve a “liquidity problem.”

JKN Global Group made the announcement in a statement to the Thai Stock Exchange two months after it missed a deadline to repay bonds worth around $12 million.

Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip speaks during the 71st Miss Universe competition in New Orleans, Louisiana. File / AFP

The company, owned by media mogul and transgender rights campaigner Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, bought the pageant — previously owned by former US president Donald Trump — in 2022 for $20 million.

JKN’s statement said its board of directors agreed on Tuesday to submit a business rehabilitation plan to the kingdom’s bankruptcy court.

“Submitting the rehabilitation petition will effectively solve the Company’s liquidity problem under legal mechanism and provide fair protection to all stakeholders,” the statement said. Operations will continue under the plan, it added.

JKN’s share price has dropped by nearly 80 per cent over the past 12 months, standing at 0.77 baht on Thursday.

Agence France-Presse