Thai gamers sentenced to 3 months’ detention over SEA Games cheating

2026-03-17 - 06:33

BANGKOK — The Pathumwan District Court on Tuesday sentenced two Thai gamers, including a former national e-sports athlete, to jail over a cheating case linked to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, citing damage to the country’s reputation. The court initially handed six-month prison terms without suspension to Napattara, 29, also known as “Tokyogurl,” a former member of Thailand’s national e-sports team, and Chaiyo, 23, known as “Cheerio.” Both defendants had earlier pleaded guilty. Their sentences were reduced by half to three months due to their confessions, and later commuted to three months of detention instead of imprisonment. Prosecutors said the pair unlawfully accessed and disclosed protected computer system measures and data intended to prevent unauthorised access, in a way that could cause damage to others. The offences were linked to the SEA Games hosted by Thailand. The court ruled that their actions severely undermined the credibility of the e-sports athlete selection process and harmed the country’s image. Following the verdict, both defendants filed requests for temporary release, posting bail of 24,000 baht each. The court granted bail pending appeal without additional conditions. Detention is considered a lighter penalty than imprisonment under Thai law, with offenders held in designated facilities such as detention centres or police stations, typically for sentences of up to three months.