Thai authorities have recently arrested competitive gamers Tokyogurl (real name Naphat Warasin) and Cheerio. Allegedly, Tokyogurl built her entire career without actually playing herself.
According to sources, the CSD confirmed that both face charges under Thailand’s Computer Cri me Act, linked to events during the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok on December 16, 2025. Officials say the pair have admitted to the accusations.
The controversy erupted during Thailand’s match against Vietnam, when tournament staff noticed something unusual on the live broadcast. Observers reportedly saw that Tokyogurl’s hand movements did not align with the actions happening in-game, prompting officials to pause the match and investigate further.
Authorities allege that instead of controlling the game herself, Tokyogurl was receiving a live screen share through Discord while another player competed remotely. Investigators claim she attempted to mimic the gameplay motions on her assigned tournament device to avoid detection.
Suspicion had reportedly been building even before the Vietnam match. Officials noted irregular login attempts ahead of the competition, and communications data allegedly showed the two suspects interacting during gameplay. A later search of their room in Nonthaburi province reportedly uncovered mobile phone evidence used to coordinate the plan.
During police questioning, Cheerio admitted he served as the third-party player, competing remotely through software connected to Naphat’s phone, according to investigators. Footage of the detention later spread online.
Following the discovery, Tokyogurl’s performance reportedly collapsed, and Thailand went on to lose the match 0–3. Within hours, the Thailand National Olympic Committee expelled her from the tournament. Organizers then disqualified the entire women’s Arena of Valor team after concluding a remote-play scheme had taken place.
Initially, Tokyogurl denied wrongdoing, claiming she became ill during the match. However, weeks later, Cheerio publicly confessed that he had played in her place. On January 2, 2026, he expanded his admission further, stating he had allegedly acted as the remote player throughout much of her competitive career.
Thailand’s women’s team withdrew from the tournament despite qualifying for the finals, finishing with zero medals. This was an especially humiliating outcome given Thailand was hosting the SEA Games on home soil.
The case was formally submitted to the Pathumwan Kwaeng Court on February 6, with a ruling scheduled for March 17. Thai outlet Siamsport reported that violations under the Computer Cri me Act carry penalties of up to two years in prison, a fine of 40,000 baht (around $1,200 USD), or both.
Talon Esports terminated Tokyogurl’s contract and reportedly demanded repayment for months of training costs. Garena issued an indefinite ban from Arena of Valor events, and both players have received lifetime competitive suspensions.
