Thailand’s Crime Suppression Division has arrested former national esports athlete Naphat “Tokyogurl” Warasin, along with semi-professional player Cheerio, in connection with an esports cheating scandal at the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok last year.
According to Bangkok Post, CSD commander Pol Maj Gen Phatthanasak Bupphasuwan confirmed on Friday that the pair were charged with colluding to obtain and disclose restricted computer access credentials and unlawfully accessing computer data protected by security measures.
The charges stem from alleged misconduct during the SEA Games esports competition on Dec 16, 2025, in the match between Thailand playing Vietnam, where irregular gameplay patterns and an abrupt collapse during the match prompted officials to review the game. An internal investigation later uncovered what was described as a remote play scheme that compromised competitive integrity.
According to the probe, Tokyogurl shared her login credentials with Cheerio before the match. Login attempts were detected before the competition began, and chat records reportedly showed the two communicating during gameplay, in breach of tournament regulations. Later, Cheerio admitted to cheating on his Facebook by apologizing publicly for his actions.
Match officials expelled Tokyogurl mid-tournament and disqualified Thailand’s women’s team from the event in the title Arena of Valor. The case has since escalated into a criminal investigation.
Santi Lohtong, president of the Thailand Esports Federation, said the scandal inflicted serious damage on the federation, the national esports team, and the country’s reputation. He added that both players have been handed lifetime bans.
Thai Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Prosecutors filed the case with the Pathumwan Kwaeng Court on Feb. 6, and the court is set to deliver its ruling on March 17, 2026.
