Thai esports player Tokyogurl arrested after cheating at 33rd SEA Games

Thailand’s Crime Suppression Division has arrested former esports player Naphat ‘Tokyogurl‘ Warasin and her accomplice after she was caught cheating at the 33rd SEA Games in December 2025.

Tokyogurl admitted to having her partner play remotely on her behalf during the 33rd SEA Games’ Arena of Valor tournament. The suspicions started during Thailand’s fixture against Vietnam.

According to the Bangkok Post, Tokyogurl and former semi-professional Arena of Valor player ‘Cheerio,’ were charged with ‘colluding to obtain and disclose restricted computer access credentials and unlawfully accessing computer data protected by security measures.’

Before the match, Cheerio logged into Tokyogurl’s device and communicated with the player while the match was taking place. As a result of breaching tournament regulations, Thailand was disqualified from the SEA Games.

During a search by investigators, authorities reportedly discovered evidence on several mobile phones use to organise Cheerio remotely competing while Tokyogurl was at the event. Cheerio later admitted he was competing using software installed on Tokyogurl’s phone.

In addition to the disqualification from the tournament, Tokyogurl and Cheerio have breached Thailand’s Computer Crime Act, a law prohibiting unauthorised access to online accounts and manipulating systems in order to gain an unfair advantage. Violations of the Act are punishable with a two-year prison sentence and a maximum fine of 40,000 baht (~£942).

“This case is not a simple game fraud,” said Police Major General Pattanasak Bubphasuwan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division. “It is a technological crime that harms the dignity and honor of the nation.”

Following the arrest of Tokyogurl and Cheerio, both pleading guilty, the case has been referred to the Pathum Wan District Prosecutor’s Office, with the court setting a verdict date of March 17th.

The incident continues to highlight the presence of cheating within the esports industry. Despite the best efforts of various stakeholders, teams and players continue to utilise underhanded tactics to gain an unfair upper hand.