Thai authorities have arrested former SEA Games player Tokyogurl and semi-pro player Cheerio over a cheating scandal that rocked the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok. Both have reportedly admitted to the charges.
The Crime Suppression Division confirmed that Naphat Warasin, 29, known in-game as Tokyogurl, and Chaiyo, 23, known as Cheerio, have been charged with computer-crime offenses linked to the December 16, 2025, Arena of Valor competition.
Officials allege the pair colluded to share restricted computer access credentials and unlawfully accessed protected data during the tournament. According to CSD commander Pol Maj Gen Phatthanasak Bupphasuwan, the case stems from Naphat using unauthorized software and a stand-in player during the SEA Games match.
How Tokyogurlz and Cheerio cheated
Investigators said suspicious gameplay was first flagged during Thailand’s fixture against Vietnam. Officials detected unusual login attempts before the match, while chat records allegedly showed the two communicating during play. Tournament organizers expelled Naphat and disqualified Thailand’s women’s team after an internal probe uncovered what authorities described as a remote-play scheme.
A search of the pair’s room in Nonthaburi province reportedly uncovered evidence on mobile phones used to coordinate the plan. During questioning, Chaiyo admitted he acted as a third party, playing remotely using software installed on Naphat’s phone, police said.
A video of the arrest was shared online.
The case was formally filed with the Pathumwan Kwaeng Court on February 6, with a ruling scheduled for March 17.
According to Thai outlet Siamsport, the charges under the Computer Crime Act are “punishable by imprisonment for up to 2 years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht (~$1200 USD), or both.”
The scandal first surfaced during the SEA Games, when Thailand’s women’s Arena of Valor team withdrew despite still being in medal contention. At the time, Tokyogurl denied wrongdoing and claimed she became unwell mid-match. Weeks later, Cheerio publicly admitted that he had played in her place, accepting responsibility and apologizing to fans and officials.
Santi Lohtong, president of the Thailand Esports Federation, said the incident caused severe damage to the federation, the national team, and Thailand’s reputation. Both players have received lifetime bans from competition.
