BANGKOK, Oct 27 (Reuters) – A Thai celeb media tycoon, transgender rights advocate and new proprietor of the Miss Universe magnificence pageant needs to make use of the occasion to encourage ladies like her and increase tourism.
Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, CEO and largest shareholder of JKN International Group Pcl (JKN) (JKN.BK), is a star in Thailand, starring in native variations of actuality exhibits Mission Runway and Shark Tank.
She purchased the Miss Universe Organisation on Wednesday for $20 million, marking the primary time the wonder pageant organiser has been owned by a girl, her firm stated.
The acquisition suits into JKN’s ecosystem and offers her a platform to encourage others, she instructed Reuters.
“It’s a common platform… I can grow to be the aspiration for therefore many individuals, particularly ladies, LGBTQ, to allow them to remodel,” she stated in English.
Jakapong has been outspoken about her expertise as a transgender lady and likewise arrange the Life Impressed For Thailand Basis to advocate for the rights to dignity and alternatives for transgender individuals.
She has additionally spoken out about her struggles with bullying and sexual harassment rising up.
“I discovered to get by ache, due to this fact I ready myself to be prepared on a regular basis… I turned ache into energy.”
She stated Miss Universe can promote Thailand’s 5 F-factors tourism marketing campaign, boosting preventing (Thai boxing), movie, competition, vogue and meals.
[1/4] Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, JKN Chief Government Officer speaks throughout an interview with Reuters in Bangkok, Thailand, October 27, 2022. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
“It’s nearly one billion individuals watching and owned by a Thai transwoman, 100%,” Jakapong stated. “We now have one of the best automobile now and so why do not you simply use me?”
Tourism is an important driver of the Thai financial system and in pre-pandemic 2019 the nation welcomed practically 40 million arrivals who spent 1.91 trillion baht ($50.58 billion).
The federal government expects to see simply over 10 million guests this 12 months and double that in 2023.
“Each nation – not simply Thailand – will get tourism revenue when you’re the (pageant) host nation,” Jakapong stated.
She hopes Thailand would be the host each three to 4 years.
Different plans for Miss Universe embody licensing and merchandising alternatives, together with integration with JKN’s personal companies like vogue, drinks and cosmetics.
Ventures like eating places, property, spas and resorts had been additionally being explored, she stated.
JKN shares rose 25% on Thursday.
(This story has been corrected to repair quote in headline and paragraph 10 from “why do not we use me” to “why do not you simply use me”)
Writing by Chayut Setboonsarng; Enhancing by Nick Macfie
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